Ocean Park Pizza and Steak House

Barbara and I are in Abbotsford , British Columbia, pet sitting. On our first night here we visited Ocean Park Pizza and Steak House restaurant. It is located in a strip mall which does not provide the most attractive first impression. Although a small restaurant the interior was cozy and inviting. We were greeted the moment we entered the door and quickly seated. 

It did however, take the server a little too long to approach the table.  When she finally arrived it was with  a nice greeting along with a friendly smile. She inquired about a drink order. Normally we would select a wine but their wine list was shall we say not to our likely. It provided two non VQA BC wines from major producers, there was no wines on the list from the near by wineries. What a shame!

They did have an extremely large menu featuring all the pasta, chicken and rib dishes associated with an Italian restaurant. They even had a selection of Greek dishes. There was as the name suggested numerous steak options. Their feature item was Prime Rib. The pizza selection perhaps the longest list I have ever seen.

Although the server was busy she was quite charming. We noticed that their take out service was quite  busy. We also noticed by the staff response to guest arriving these were regular customers of the restaurant.

Barbara ordered Chicken Fettuccine and I  the Super Hawaiian Pizza. We were both extremely happy with our selection. Yes. it is a restaurant we would return to, although I do hope they improve their wine list and seek out some local wines.

 Return to Atlas Steak and Fish House

When you find a really good restaurant, one tends to anticipate a quick return. Such is the case with the Atlas Restaurant at the casino in Langley, BC. 

It was our thirtieth wedding anniversary, and we could think of no better place to go than the Atlas. We settle on going for happy hours. Very good BC wines for only 6$ a glass. Those delicious prime rib sliders for just $5.oo, I had two. Barbara had two lobster rolls. We also enjoyed a rather large house salad with organic greens, poached pear, candy cane beets, candied pecans, goat cheese, orange segments, and white balsamic vinaigrette.

Our server was Eric, who was doing the Bartending duties that evening. Eric provided service beyond the call of duty, providing a most memorable experience. John, the restaurant manager, also stopped by and chatted with us. Also visiting our table was Tracy, a server ( a most charming lady) we had known from another great restaurant in Tsawwassen.

The highlight of the evening beyond Eric's impeccable service was "the" Baked Alaska; the dessert was lambéed table side by Eric It featured. raspberry coconut ice cream, lemon sorbet, orange vanilla cake, all topped with Italian meringue. Barbara would not let me order a second one...

A video can be found on facebook  https://www.facebook.com/bob.bell.71

 Two Family Owned Restaurants 

Two Stones Grill

A small family restaurant in Tsawwassen Mills. Here is where you find good food at every responsible prices. Its not fancy! Popular lunch items include a Cheese Burger, fries and Caesar salad for a prices less than you would pay at the near by Fast Food Restaurant. 

Barbara and I often drop in for their Steak Specials. If the special is New York Staek and Prawns. Been allergic to Prawns Barbara gets a double order.

You may even get served by the owners daughter. Like we did last time we were there. Our wine was poured by the owner himself. One feels every comfortable here at Two Stones Grill.

Delphi Brunch Cafe

Located in a small strip mall in Langley (100 - 20121 Willowbrook Dr,) The restaurant specializes in Bruch and lunch items. It is extremely popular we had to wait 25 minutes for our table. One customer leaves another sits down. Considering how busy it was the service was good. 

The waitress was most charming. The food extraordinary... the portions rather large. The price most reasonable..

The atmosphere is lacking but you are there for the food. 

 Atlas Steak + Fish Restaurant

It is always a wonderful experience to discouver a new ( to us) restaurant. One that brings together the perfect ambiance, delicious cuisine and superior hospitality. The Atlas Steak + Fish restaurant in Langley does just that!

Barbara and I had walked by the restaurant on several occasion but had never ventured in. However, we received a free appetizer coupon for their happy hour. Opportunity has knocked at our door. Barbara had an Ophthalmologist   appoint near by. So we decided to find out what Atlas was all about.

To say the less we were impressed. From the smiling host to the charming waitress and even the manager stopped by to see how we were doing and chatted with us.

We of course started with a glass of wine from Sumac Ride. I had the Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon. The restaurant features an excellent wine list. Featuring many BC wines, including Ice Wine.

Barbara had the New England Lobster and Shrimp Roll - Atlantic lobster and argentinian red shrimp salad, buttered toasted brioche,tobik.

Barbara was quite delight with her selection.

I ordered the Warm Prime Rib Bun red wine jus, toasted brioche bun, truffle mayonnaise. So Good! 

We completely enjoyed our time at Atlas. The staff was quite friendly and had to our enjoyment. One of the ladies we knew from having previously worked at a restaurant in Tsawwassen.

In conversation with the manager. Barbara mentioned her Soroptimist club talking about the Fund raising Gala they were putting on in Langley . The Manager provided a gift certificate for the event.. Wow..

We recommend Atlas Steak + Fish It gets our five star approveal

 

The Village Pub & Ocean Park Pizza

Barbara and I returned from a recent housesitting assignment to our home in White Rock, British Columbia. After unloading our car and unpacking the suitcases we were too tired to cook, we decided to eat out. Pizza had been on the back of my mind all day but Barbara was wanting something different; so we compromised and went to Ocean Park Pizza.

We had eaten at the original place often in the past, but never in the newer one since relocating to the area in 2019.  We had driven by the restaurant on excursions to Crescent Beach and noted there were some major changes and often remarked we should try it again. It was BC Day, a holiday with fantastic weather; knowing the beaches would be crowded we headed to Ocean Park Pizza which turned out to be a smart choice. There is limited parking in front but they have a very large parking lot on the backside of the building so parking was not an issue.

Things had certainly changed, a new building with an even newer patio than what we remembered. We entered and were immediately greeted by two polite young men with welcoming smiles. They asked a few questions to determine where we would like to sit. We chose the patio on the side of the building  away from the main street in the shade. The patio was created when the pandemic struck in 2020.

Once seated we were quickly greeted by our charming waitress. Within minutes Barbara was sipping a classic margarita and I was enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir from Laughing Stock Winery on BC's Naramata Bench. I knew I was having an Hawaiian Pizza; yes they have a beef dip I will save that for next time. The menu is large, after reading it Barbara opted for the warm seafood salad.

The meal was served quickly, the pizza was perfect; the salmon, prawn and scallop salad was mouth watering according to Barbara. Our waitress as I mentioned, was quite charming, and most efficient; allowing for brief conversations which added to the enjoyment of the meal.

The menu prices were reasonable, except the glass of wine was on the higher side.

All in all we would give The Village Pub & Ocean Park Pizza five stars and I will return for a beef dip!

*In February 20, 2019, the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce held its 20th Business Excellence Awards Gala. At the event, Ocean Park Pizza & Village Pub was recognized for our "success in business" and "exemplary contribution to the community.*

12822 16 Avenue Surrey, BC V4A 1N4

Follow along at winesofcanada.com 

 

Nami Japanese Restaurant 

A lazy summer afternoon found Barbara and I standing in the parking lot of a White Rock corner store looking across the street at what was to us, was a new restaurant. Barbara made the suggestion that we make a dinner reservation for the night of the outdoor Fleetwood MAC & ABBA Concert at Five Corners which happened to be within walking distance of the restaurant.

So Thursday evening July 14 six of us settled in at Nami Japanese Restaurant for what was to be a very delightful dining experience. Their website states the following:

Here at Nami, you are catered by our kind staff in a warm and welcoming vibe with our very own delicious traditional Japanese food. 

They lived up to their website posting, it is one of the nicest Japanese restaurants we have visited in the Fraser Valley. The decor was pleasant, the restaurant was spotless, and nicely air conditioned.  Nami Japanese Restaurant employs very friendly and efficient staff to see to our comfort. 

The chef/owner came to the table to see how we were enjoying the food. When a chef comes to your table it adds so much more to the dining experience! Barbara mentioned she and I were wary of eating sushi and had ordered cooked meals. He prepared one of his favourite dishes to sample; with a piece for the six of us. We were all very impressed with how flavourful the salmon dish was. 

Their menu is quite extensive featuring all the traditional Japanese dishes, there is something there for everyone's taste. The restaurant was doing a very brisk take-out and home delivery business as well as taking care of in-house diners.

The beverage menu is small but sufficient, offering  BC VQA wines, Japanese beer and Saki.

Our meals began with the traditional tea, among the best I have tasted, refills were frequent. The miso soup was incredible; I could go back for the tea and soup alone!

My main dish was the Katuso Don consisting of a deep fried crumbed pork cutlet with rice and salad. Three of us chose the chicken or beef teriyaki meals, and two chose sushi dishes, none of us was disappointed. It took us a year to discover this gem, we look forward to visiting often.

B&B

 

Wine Women and Chocolate

 

The White Rock Soroptimist held their annual Wine Women and Chocolate event last Thursday (22-06-16) at the Elgin Hall near Crescent Beach. It was a fund raiser for the work they do to support women and girls in need.

Several local wineries contributed to the fund raiser. Those sending along wine for tasting, Township Seven, City Side, Backyard and Festina Lente. Due to staff shortages only Township Seven were able to send staff for their tables.

Barbara, our dear friend Kim and I would man the tables for the other three wineries. Kim been the one of us with experience.

The event was scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm by 6:15 we were pouring wines. Sadly, the tables were placed too close to the stage where a very good band was playing. However, we could not hear the people coming to the tables. They of course had trouble hearing us.

Barbara handled the majority of the tastings for Festina Lente. Festina Lente is perhaps the best Mead producer in British Columbia. Now most people are not interest in Mead. Barbara was extremely good at convincing everyone to try the mead. I think they liked it! In fact, we ran out of mead.

Kim handled the City Side wines who offered a selection of four wines. Pinto Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and a white blend. The huge winner here was the Pinot Gris, a very good wine full of traditional flavours, the wine was quickly gone.

I did the majority pouring of the wines for Backyard, a Fraser Valley Winery that most people knew. They offered their Noisy Neighbour White and Red, along with the Gossip White and Red. The four wines were blends of four or more varietal. All were all well received.

It was the first time Barbara and I found ourselves on the other side of the table. It was quite the experience. We were so happy that Kim was there for us. It would have been quite the challenge to handle three wineries.

We went home quite tired from a very long day!