Saving Grace

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/savinggrace

We came here back in the winter, 15min before opening and entered as it was unlocked. We were quickly asked to leave and didn't make it back until now.
This time we came after 11 and it look 30min to be invited. Oh and the common etiquette is that you put your name on the clipboard hanging on the inside front frame - wait list.

APPEARANCE
medium-light golden, attractive
Outside bright, highlighter pink and green with contrasting details and a right-on green bench. This place is hard to miss - there are people always standing around. After almost being skipped, as the waitress felt like reading the list the opposite way, it was our turn.

NOSE
butterscotch, stuffy - needing air
Inside, very simple and trying to look bigger than is - white walls, black lamps and a large mirror. It reminded me of a fitting room, especially being warm and stuffy. That might have also been because we were sat on the small top floor overlooking everyone. All I have to say is, thank god for the high-ceilings adding some space and air.

SWIRL
hazelnut, hint of cinnamon
Setting down, we were entertained by the sun revealing the previous store sign underneath.
Cups with steaming ice and a charming airtight glass water bottle came on our table. They gave out either this type of a bottle or a wine olive-green glass one, both pretty cool.
I asked for the Strawberry-Agave Shake. We were quick with our food order, feeling a bit exposed to ally eh other waiting outside. I was hoping to have space at the end for that popular French Toast with Caramelized Bananas, as we really felt like something more substantial before. We got their Rajasthani Eggs and the Old White Cheddar Sandwich.
As we waited, I noticed the cute chalk-board with a version of the menu on the wall. I  kind of wished I read it earlier. A bunch of people were having the iced fresh ginger, looked interesting. Also, we were entertained by the sun revealing the previous store sign underneath in front of us.

PALATE
smoky, spicy, smooth texture yet drying
My shake came warm and I was ready to whine for ice, but it turned out that there was a big cube near the bottom. The shake was too think to let it swim out though. It was that same steaming ice, making my drink ice-cold in a few minutes. I was quite happy and impressed; it held the chill for some time. It was a bit sweet, but the light yogurt base was a great balance.
Next came out plates. I started off with half of the Old White Cheddar Sandwich. It came well toasted with grill marks, a spring salad and their house potatoes. The bread added a lot of interest to this dish, as it was whole-wheat raisin with a few walnut pieces. The insides were tomatoes, avocado and a yummy rosemary mayo. The cheese only got a bit of attention, competing with all the tastes going on, but overall it was delicious and a bit heavy.
The Rajasthani scrambled eggs had a very spicy red-onion, tomato chickpea masala. There was also a side of herbed, corn paratha and a side of potatoes. The cilantro and sour-cream were essential in my tolerance of this dish, but still not enough. Rajasthani is definitely not for my tummy in the morning, but I it has a hidden purpose - to make you sweat so that this room no longer feels warm or stuffy.

FINISH
hint of melon-pineapple and freshness
I wish I had space for dessert, perhaps next time I will sharpen my sweet tooth from the beginning.
Whoa, getting out makes you appreciate the breezy cool weather outside, even if it is mid 30C.

overall.. an intense (stifle) Chardonnay

Meat & Bread

http://meatandbread.ca/

After a short walking tour around downtown Vancouver we ended up in Gastown and were highly recommended this place by out tour guide.

APPEARANCE
clean, bold
The line up on a Saturday afternoon starts from the door.
An all windowed wall with a thin black frame is invaded by the narrow, bold, white word-mark on the glass.

NOSE
delicate, pear aroma
Inside it is warm, full of life and light. It is a long space - small tables by the window, a big main social table for anyone/everyone and then a few more small tables near the back. Chairs, lights, frames, menus all back, while the back wall is old white-painted brick that looks like its falling apart. Cheri lined up quite I fetched us a tiny table, as they are scarce. Of course this happened after we checked out their washrooms, which had vintage furniture and details as well as interesting framings ( like a poster explaining the parts of a cow).

SWIRL
lively, light smoke and oak hints
This place has little selection, so on can't get to picky/confused and is well worth the wait. I decided we are getting the Porchetta, the Turkey Confit and the Grilled Cheese (that our tour guide talked so enthusiastically about) with two of their Phoenix beers. While in line, you get to watch them make the sandwiches - it really works on your appetite. Saying that, anyone vegetarian will be scarred for life. I took a few photos and a man with an Australian accent came to talk to me (I think the owner). For a sec I though I was in trouble but he soon said he just wants to make sure the guys look good and there are no funny faces.

PALATE
medium-bodied, smooth, intriguing
Soon enough the sandwiches were each loaded on charming thin wooden boards, with a strip of wax paper and with a blob of the appropriate sauce on the side (usually mustard). The grilled cheese took longer though.
The Porchetta was great. The meat had a bit too much fatty pieces for my liking, but the salsa verde inside and the crispy skins were amazing. The Turkey confit was quite interesting combination of flavours - chipotle glaze, fennel, red onion, and a yogurt-base sauce. It had a strange smell to it, I did not mind right then but I know some days I would definitely not want that smell even close to me. The grilled cheese was brought out for us, it was light and melting in my mouth.

FINISH
evolving, living
Loved the lively ambiance, the light rock music in the background, the cozy lightness and simple interior and menu.

Overall a unique Chardonnay