LA REGALADE
(604)921-1228
103-2232 Marine Drive,
West Vancouver
Where in Vancouver can you find deliciously authentic tartines, potages, casseroles, tarts, soups, and pastries? "La Regalade" in West Vancouver is a bustling French Bistro that has served excellent food for most of the the last decade. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you are embraced by the charming atmosphere and the heady aromas wafting from the open kitchen. Decorating the counter is a tempting display of deserts, including Pear and Almond Tart, Creme Catalan, and Poached Pears in Wine and Spices. The food is rustic and heavenly. My friend and I enthusiastically celebrated our birthdays by sharing the Blue Cheese Pear Tart and the Braised Lamb Shank. Then for desert we enjoyed a heavenly Floating Island. Needless to say, we left feeling happily satisfied and not in the least worried that we were both one year older. Brigitte and Alain Raye, the owners, are now in the process of opening Cafe Regalade in Kits, which will be run by their son, Steeve.
Eat Local and Seasonal! Support farmers' markets around the lower mainland. These artisanal markets offer an abundance of fresh, organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. Fill your shopping basket with wild mushrooms, lavender honey, free range eggs and chicken as well as delicious pies, bottled sauces and jams. Also on the menu are seasonal events like the Berry Festival on Main Street, the Tomato Festival in Trout Lake, and the Harvest Festival in the West End. Go to http://www.eatlocal.org/ and explore a culinary extravaganza near you! 
