As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. This year, we asked the group eight questions, from Meal of the Year to Top Newcomers. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of the week. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted and unedited herein. Readers, we want to hear what you think too. Drop us a line or leave a comment and we'll gather them together for a special End-of-End-of-Year post.
Anya Levykh, CBC correspondent and food writer.
"Mamie Taylor's for solid and inventive comfort food and outstanding cocktails."
Mia Stainsby, Vancouver Sun restaurant critic and food writer.
"I'm hostage to the really, really, really casual dining scene that is strutting its stuff. I loved a little place called Dunlevy Snackbar; so cool and totally cheap to eat there. Angus An's Thai street food stall, Longtail Kitchen at New West pier tugged at me too but it's too far flung to be a standby."
Andrew Morrison, is the editor & publisher of Scout.
"Wildebeest."
Coleen Christie, is the anchor of CTV News week nights.
"Nicli Antica "
Stephanie Yuen, seasoned food & travel journalist for both English and Chinese print and online publications.
Noodles, buns & dumplings are my favourite Chinese comfort food. My restaurant standby has always been 'Lin Chinese Cuisine' on West Broadway. Best made-to-order Xiao Long Bao (Juicy pork dumplings) and tender, fluffy steamed vegetable buns.
Alexandra Gill, Vancouver Restaurant Critic for the Globe & Mail.
"The Mexican. So tasty and such great value. Killer margaritas."
Carolyn Ali, Travel/ food editor for Vancouver's Georgia Straight.
"La Taqueria for quick, cheap and cheerful, Fisherman's Terrace for dim sum, Xu's Wonton for xiaolongbao, Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle, Alvin Garden."
Joanne Sasvari, Writer and Editor of FLAVOURS magazine.
"In terms of restaurants, Hawksworth for special occasions, Tableau for more casual ones. In terms of food, it was anything with a perfectly cooked egg on it, from salad to pasta to wild mushrooms to burgers. Could. Not. Resist. In terms of drinks, Rhône reds and any cocktail that is brown, bitter and stirred, especially a Vieux Carré."
Lee Man, a regular contributor to Urban Diner and a judge for the Vancouver Magazine annual restaurant awards.
"It's usually a Chinese restaurant - and I've got say Kirin on Alberni is fantastic for dim sum. They always recognize regulars - and address me by name - very comforting in a chaotic world."
Eagranie Yuh, writer, author and chocolate expert.
Same as last year: Campagnolo on Main. Consistently good service, good food, good room. Also, I'm a creature of habit.
Sherman's Food Adventures:
EBO because the food is good and it's kid-friendly
Mijune Pak, Followmefoodie.com
"I don't think I have a "standby". I don't repeat places too often because there is just too much to try. I like mixing things up and getting a good variety."
Sean Neild, Sean's Adventures in Flavortown
Mosaic Grille and Bar at the Hyatt Regency