Wildcraft - Waterloo

As I reflect back on our dinner at Wildcraft I try to objectively wrestle with the fact that either I am just getting overly critical in my post fifty haze or I indeed have reasonable expectations as a diner that just aren't being met.....I vote for the latter perspective.

Wildcraft has all the makings of a great restaurant - super design, love the outdoor bar and patio area and a solid menu. Spotty execution is holding them back....food delivered vaguely warm - that is a real killer to the food quality as good at it might be, a beautiful fireplace in their main dining area that rarely works - don't they care about us I think as I look at it.....take away food left on your table before dessert in plastic containers - no bag.  Small details yes,,,yet the small details make the experience in great restaurants since they are so tough to consistently execute.  Wow, I am sounding serious here....sorry.

Reasonable expectations I think considering the prices and the higher expectations with which they market themselves.  Post fifty high maintenance needs?  I think not....sane and reasonable...that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Forage - Vancouver

Being new to the over-fifty demographic as you may or may not know does present it's challenges....nothing dramatic however watching sodium intakes becomes a bit of an ankle-pecker and being able to stay awake after 1200 calorie entrees becomes tough.

So to the food you say....Forage on Robson, adjacent to the Listel Hotel is fact becoming a favorite of mine.  They do small plates perfect for combing into a larger meal or sharing - a growing trend me thinks for even the under-fifty folks.  Small plates of very, very tasty local ingredients.  One night all I needed was a bowl of their wonderful shrimp, scallop and corn bisque - served with a crunchy piece of crackling - awesome.   Followed by a small plate of locally raised pork rib with a wonderful chimichuri sauce on top - simple however like most simple things - double awesome!!!  A chilled glass of super dry Riesling and BAM.

Breakfast the next morning was equally BAM - imagine root veg served with local turkey sausage - done up like a hash with two poached eggs....the sincere and efficient server asked me if I wanted my poached eggs - soft - medium or hard - don't go there I thought....medium ordered and perfectly medium served...magic.  Sourdough toast with a choice of blueberry-fennel or strawberry (and possibly ginger) jam -- BAM BAM.  No Riesling with the eggs - maybe next trip.

I can't wait to go back to Forage.