It’s the Christmas holiday season, and you are thinking about what to get friends and family? Something to eat or drink is always nice. I attended Tasting Plates Burnaby Heights Edition this past week, courtesy of Vancouver Foodster, and I thought that gifting from these places would be nice. If you do not know where Burnaby Heights is located, it is centered around Willingdon Avenue and Hastings Street in Burnaby. Here is a map for you.
What Did I Enjoy?
Well what did I enjoy from each of them?
CAFFE DIVANO
They had a choice of 3 coffees. I went for the Spanish Latte as I never had it before. It is a latte that has a bit of condensed milk added to it. So you have to like sweeter coffee. With my latte I tried a macaron, a mini croissant, and a chocolate mint cookie. I really liked the macaroon and the croissant. There is a wide range of cookies at Caffe Divano to try.
Caffe Divano latin latte with assorted cookies
CIOFFI’S MEAT MARKET & GOURMET KITCHEN
By the time I reached Cioffi’s I had been to 4 other places and was getting quite full. They provided us with a plate containing:
- Penne with a turkey bolognese sauce
- House made meatball slider
- Tuscan chicken sausage
All their food was very good. I in particular I really liked the Tuscan chicken sausage. It had a nice spice to it and was not dry. I’d like to try it sliced into a tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.
Cioffi’s penne chicken sausage and meatball slider
CIOFFI’S DELI
Right next door is Cioffi’s Deli, where you can purchased sliced meats, cheeses, breads, and various Italian groceries. Their tasting plate included:
- Crostini with goat cheese and quince jam (V)
- Prosciutto and bocconcini skewer
- Mixed olives (V)
Cioffi’s Prosciutto skewer olives and crostini
STAN’S PIZZA JOINT
Stan’s Pizza Joint was the last stop and by then I was really full, but there was 3 slices of pizza yet to come:
- A slice of our Cheesy Garlic or Pesto Cheesy Bread (V)
- 2 different slices from our variety of Specialty Pizza’s being made at time of visit (will also offer a (V) option)
- A slice of yummy dessert pizza and creamy vanilla dip (V)
When I was there I received the cheesy garlic bread, a BBQ Chicken pizza slice, and a third slice which I think was their Joint Full Load. The owners seemed quite busy so had no time to chat with them and find out about that third slice. The BBQ Chicken pizza was quite good. The pizza has a thicker crust and lots of cheese, so quite filling.
Stans Pizza Joint pizza selection
GLENBURN SODA FOUNTAIN AND CONFECTIONERY
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, this is the place for you. It is full of dessert items and beverages for you. I can imagine that it would be super busy and popular in the summer.
We were treated to miniature versions of:
- Butterscotch Sundaes with Whipped Cream and Spiced Walnuts (gluten free) (V)
- Chocolate-Covered Candy Cane or Eggnog Ice Cream Cones (V)
- Frostbites Cranberry Spice Soda (non-dairy, gluten free) (V)
I didn’t have the ice cream cone as I was already stuffed, but I did have the sundae and the soda. The sundae had real ice cream and it was very good, so you will probably see me drop by Glenburn in the summer. I also liked the decor which reminded me of the TV show “Happy Days”.
Glenburn Soda Fountain caramel ice cream sundae
Glenburn Soda Fountain
POSH PANTRY
Posh Pantry is not a restaurant, but does offer cooking classes at the back of their shop. The front of the shop has interesting kitchen items, and right now lots of holiday related serving utensils. Maybe you would like to give someone the gift of a cooking class? You may want to find out what Posh Pantry has to offer.
The tasting plate consisted of:
- Braised Beef Short Ribs with Wild Mushrooms
- Root Vegetable mash
The beef was shredded so looked very similar to pulled pork, and probably would taste really good on a bun and served with a side of coleslaw. The root vegetable mash was a nice change from mashed potatoes. I did enjoy this dish.
Beautiful ladies at Posh Pantry preparing plates of Braised Short Ribs and Root Veg Mash
YO SUSHI
I saw in the latest Burnaby Now newspaper that Yo Sushi was voted the #1 Japanese sushi restaurant in Burnaby. And I must concur that their food is very good, as well as the presentation on the plate. On my plate was:
- Red Dragon Roll (V)
- Tuna Tatataki Salad (V)
- Kamikaze Roll (V)
The Kamikaze Roll (on the left in the picture) had a tempura shrimp and I think crab meat, similar to a California roll. My favourite was the Tuna Tataki Salad. The tuna had a slight sear on it, and went very nicely with the salad, and was nice and light compared to all my other dishes this evening. The Red Dragon roll was also very good. All their food was very good. FYI, Yo Sushi has a 1 year anniversary discount on food this week. Here are the details:
On Dec 16(Mon) to 21(Sat) / every day AFTER 5:00 pm
- Dec 16 (Monday) : 50% off
- Dec 17 (Tuesday) : 40% off
- Dec 18 (Wednesday) : 30% off
- Dec 19 (Thursday) : 20% off
- Dec 20 (Friday) : 10% off
- Dec 21 (Saturday) : 10% off
Yo Sushi with 2 sushi and tuna tataki salad
CHEZ CHRISTOPHE
I’ve heard good things about Chez Christophe for a while, so I was eagerly anticipating visiting his shop, and I was not disappointed. This Chocolaterie and Patisserie has of course wonderful chocolates and pastries to tempt you. Walking into Chez Christophe you see the selection of goodies in front of you to choose. It reminded me of being back in France. Chef Christofe is a very nice, friendly person, who spent time to talk with me, and showed us the back of the shop where he makes all this chocolates and pastries. They open at 8am on Tuesday to Saturday and close at 6pm. I hear that their croissants and pan au chocolate sell out quite quickly each morning, so I will show up at 8am one day soon and then have a big cup of coffee at Caffe Divano.
The tasting plate contained:
- Mini Douceur Canadienne (V)
- Macaron (V)
- Cannelle Noisette Truffle featuring our fine Swiss chocolate available exclusively through us! (V)
All three of these were delicious, but I think my favourite was the cannelle noisette truffle. It was light and creamy inside. I enjoyed the cinnamon and hazelnut flavours, married with the chocolate. Recommended.
Chez Christophe selection of pastries for sale
Chez Christophe macaron truffle and Douceur Canadienne
A few parting photos of me enjoying my coffee at Caffe Divano and the carolers that roamed about for Tasting Plates. Thanks to Vancouver Foodster for the event and the invite.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!
Christmas carolers at Cioffis
MyWinePal with his latte and cookies at Caffe Divano
Food and Wine With Karl MyWinePal 