The Ivy Restaurant is a well known eatery in the heart of Los Angelos. Everyone knows that it is THE spot to see Celebrities. It is a warm looking restaurant with the famous white-picket fence with ivies growing on the outside. Celebrities would usually sit outside on the patio, table 41, while paparazzi snap away. If you sit there, the paparazzi would probably wonder if you are a celebrity. It is located on a trendy street where you will find Kitson/Kitson Kids (another celebrity hangout).

Prior to visiting my cousin-in-law, I asked her to choose a restaurant where I will see Celebrities. Being in the movie industry, she was able to make reservations in less than a week, which was a bonus!

The service was excellent and we were seated right away. Our table was in the corner of the room. The lights were dimmed with a tealight on the table…very romantic! It had a homely feeling to the restaurant. Great place for a date, but I wouldn’t recommend babies or toddlers. We were getting stares from other tables and of course there were whispers. They probably thought we were celebrities. Unfortunately, it was so dark that I couldn’t see any celebrities. I’m sure if there were, paparazzi would be outside.

We did not have any appetizers, but we did have an entree and dessert (of course). Surprisingly, the food was good! The selection of dessert is all home-made, much to my liking! Our server recommended that I try the apple pie, and it was a good choice. The apples was sweet and it just melted in my mouth. The seafood linguini had fresh seafood and the pasta was not too hard and not too soft.

Price: 1 thumb up (it could be pricey)

Quality: 2 thumbs up

Location: 1 thumb up (trendy area, but parking is not so great, unless you get valet)

Service: 2 thumbs up

The Ivy has a regular American menu, but with its’ own style and presentation. If we ordered wine and a 3-course meal, this could leave you at about $100 per person down the hole. I thought it was well worth it.

PS: Reservations is a must! Give it at least 1-2 months ahead for dinner seating. Lunch/Brunch is usually not so busy.

This is located on Granville Island, on the water, under the Granville Street Bridge. The Sandbar is close to False Creek Water Ferries, bus routes, downtown, and the Vancouver Seawall.

I came here for HigherBracket.ca’s corporate Christmas dinner for X’mas 2006. Therefore, I did not spend any $$. Finding parking could be a challenge, so I recommend that you pay for parking to eliminate stress.

The restaurant feels like a lodge to me. It is decorated with a wooden effect, but with a hint of modern flavour with dimmed lights for the dinner seating. Once you are upstairs, you get a night view of Vancouver from inside or outside the patio.

If you are a seafood lover, this place is for you..freshly caught, local seafood! If you are a wine lover, check out the Crush Wine Lounge, which houses over 1800 wine bottles.

Recommended Drinks:

1. Manhattan with Crown Royal whiskey 2. Red Wine- Burrowing Owl Merlot

I did try some of the Rib Eye Steak and it was pretty good for a Seafood Restaurant.

Price – 2 thumbs up

Quality – 2 thumbs up

Location – 1 thumb up (more parking needed)

Service – 2 thumbs up

This is my 2nd time eating here and I will go back there again. I tried the Cioppino the last time that I was there and it was excellent. They give you a lot of broth and seafood.

With Sandbar, you get what you pay for. The Sandbar can be a nice evening out with friends, family and/or significant other. It’s not a stuffy restaurant, so dressing up to the nine is not required. The service also is excellent.

PS: Don’t forget to make reservations. At least a few days prior would be recommended.

My experience at the Cypress inside Westin Bellevue was quite funny. The whole family (5 adults and 2 infants) went downstairs to enjoy a nice breakfast buffet (thinking eggs, sausages, bacon, etc.) and what did we get? ~cereal, bagels, cheese, yogurt, croissant, fruits, sandwich meats, etc. At other hotels, this would be considered a Continental Breakfast. The bill came and I couldn’t believe my eyes…$14?!? For $70, we could’ve walked across the street to The Cheescake Factory for a big Lunch!

Price: 2 thumbs down.

Quality: 2 thumbs up.

Service: 2 thumbs up.

Location: 2 thumbs up.

It may be overpriced, but don’t forget that this is a Westin Hotel!