Cardero's Restaurant Review

Cardero's Restaurant Vancouver, BC

Located on the southern end of Stanley Park, this fish joint was a pleasant place to eat. The menu had a decent variety of food. The atmosphere was very busy and loud, only because there are so many people in the restaurant and out on the patio. We had to wait to be seated, which is usually a good sign, though it was not an overly long wait. The decor was comprised of a bunch of fun and intriguing items, all with local ties, to look at. The waiter was attentive and saw to all of our needs in a prompt and timely manner. As far as the most important factor, the food, we have mixed opinions on this. The steak that my wife ate, though perfectly cooked, had a huge chunk of gristle running down the center, making it really hard to eat. For the money paid for it, I would have expected better. My food, on the other hand, was quite delicious. I had a Miso-Sake Sablefish. The grill was perfectly charred on both the skin side and the flesh side, and the seasoning/marinade was packed full of flavor. When you cut into the meat, it oozed juices and was very tender. Probably the best fish I have ever eaten. I guess when visiting this fish restaurant, eat the fish and you will leave quite happy. I would eat here again, and confidently recommend it. 

The Guild Restaurant

 The Guild offers a unique dining experience. The decor and atmosphere remind me of a modernized British pub. It contained some very interesting and unique items throughout the entry and dining area. The service was decent, although not as attentive as I might like for the price of the food. That being said though, the waitress was very friendly.

 My wife at their Applewood-Roasted Half Chicken, this came with a side of poutine. She mentioned that the poutine was extremely delicious, and the chicken was very moist, but tasted like any roast chicken. My West Coast Octopus came on a bed of smoked black barley, bacon-steamed clams, green peas, samphire, and carrot puree. This was simply delightful and packed with flavours of great depth. I would order this again anytime. The Carrot Cake came on a bed of carrot puree that I feel it could have

done without. The cake itself was okay, not worth the $10 cost. My wife makes way better, as does my mother-in-law. Was light, but the cream cheese icing was not near cream cheesy enough.
Overall a decent restaurant, worth visiting for a good quality meal.

Ruth's Chris Steak House- Calgary Tower

Crab Cakes

Ruth's Chris Steak House 

Lobster Tail

Lobster Bisque

Mashed Potatoes and Corn Medley

I must say I loved this Steak House, although the prices were a little steep for what you get. The atmosphere was perfect for our 10th Anniversary Celebration. Quiet, peaceful music, romantic atmosphere. They put Happy Anniversary confetti on our table and had a card for us as well. We did not even have to pay for our deserts which they customized with Anniversary Writing. We were treated very well by our waiter who was very attentive and respectful of our space. He was there when we needed him, but not hovering. My Crab Cakes were very easy to eat, the crab flavor comes through as the main focus, but could have used a tad more seasoning. The Lobster Tail was great as well, though was a little tougher than I  was thinking Lobster Tail would be. My wife's Lobster Bisque was delightful, a great way to start off her meal. The mashed potatoes were light and fluffy, though a touch of dill or garlic would have put this over the top. The corn medley was good as well, but again a touch of salt would have been all this needed. My wife's steak I would say was the highlight of this meal, as a steak should be. This had the correct amount of fat marbled throughout to make it tender, and it melted in your mouth, not much seasoning on this, but it really did not need it. And finally the best part of my meal, the desserts! My wife had Creme Brule with berries, and this was simply heavenly! Perfect! I had an amply named Sinful Chocolate Cake, that was surprisingly gluten free. This devilish cake definitely tasted so good and melted in your mouth like good chocolate should.
I would return to this restaurant again for a nice quiet evening, though prices could be shaved down considering the amount of food.

Steak

Gluten Free Sinful Chocolate Cake

 

Creme Brule

Akropol Restaurant

In downtown Swift Current, there is a Greek owned restaurant. It is a small space, but it has an actual restaurant with a lounge attached on the side. A little tight for space, it is still well used space. The atmosphere is pleasant and cozy. The staff are friendly and tend to be around if you need them. They bring the food out in a timely manner, and your wait times for service is never long. The owner is going about the restaurant talking with customers and helping out where he is needed. He is a very friendly man who is always willing to make your experience more enjoyable.
The food is tasty and very enjoyable. I do wish that their Pickerel (which I love the taste of) had no bones, yet you do find a few. The steak tips are amazingly delicious as well. One thing I do not enjoy at this restaurant is their burgers, which are kind of weak. My wife also enjoys their spinach pizza.

Overall Akropol is a homey, customer service-based restaurant.

Rating: 6/10

Kid friendly: Yes, but more space would make it more so.