My BFF was visiting from Toronto last month and we decided to go to Earl’s Test Kitchen to grab some food before watching a movie. It’s located down the block from the Scotiabank theatre on Hornby and Smithe. It’s so convenient there’s no way you can be late for the movie! We watched Guardians of the Galaxy which was pretty funny. This was my first time at this Earl’s. In fact, I think this is the first time I’ve been to any Earl’s in ages! 
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pizza
Nightingale-Tapas in a Beautiful Space
Nightingale is Chef David Hawksworth’s second restaurant venture. Located on W. Hastings and Burrard Street, this restaurant has a less formal vibe and you might not even notice it if you pass by. I’ve never been to Hawksworth (situated inside Hotel Georgia) so this won’t be a comparison post.
My co-workers and I came for a spontaneous Friday lunch and they managed to squeeze us in. The menu does change frequently so you might you get exactly what I had (e.g. sides may differ seasonally). Some items are gluten free but you’ll have to check with your server because it’s not indicated on the menu.
Pizzeria Ludica-Board Games and Pizza
My friends and I were in need of something to do for Easter Weekend and someone brought up Pizzeria Ludica. I’ve been there before but never blogged about it. They are known for their extensive board game selection. We are talking about hundreds of games!
They are located right outside Stadium-Chinatown Station, beside T&T. On the day we went, they were having plumbing issues and had to close early (hence the plumbing truck outside). I remembered that their pizza wasn’t so great before so I had low expectations. Read more
Pizza Carano
After our juice tasting at Commodity Juicery, we decided to head to Pizza Carano for real food! I’ve read some good reviews and it was only a block away. We were there around 6pm and no one was there but us. It was also a Tuesday evening so that could explain it.
The interior is dimly lit and there’s a long bar-height communal table in the middle and a few seats along the front and side of the restaurant. The menu is written on large mirrors on one wall but paper menus are also available.
Trattoria Italian Kitchen-Burnaby
Happy Good Friday! Hope you all have a great long weekend!
Trattoria Italian Kitchen in Burnaby is right across from Crystal Mall inside Element Hotel. The Glowbal Group bakery Nosh also has a location in the lobby of the hotel. I’ve driven past before and it wasn’t obvious to me that it was a hotel though. I also noticed there was a new Dinesty next door!
We started with the Beef Carpaccio served with grainy mustard aioli, grana padano, arugula, pickled onions and forno bread. Beef was tender, not chewy and the acidic flavours brightened up the dish. Read more
Campagnolo
Campagnolo is on Main Street just before Chinatown and very close to the new Torafuku! I’ve been wanting to go to Campagnolo for a while since I had pasta cravings but when I was actually there, we ended up ordering no pasta and had risotto instead.
They give you some cheese, chili pepper flakes and some kind of herb on a side plate so that you can use it on your pizza or pasta. Read more
Steel Toad Brewery
The Steel Toad is one of the newer breweries to join the Olympic Village area. Unfortunately, I don’t drink so I can’t comment on their beer. I’m only here for the food!
The restaurant looks like a red barn on the outside and it has very high ceilings and it’s incredibly spacious inside. Read more