Nurul’s

So here is the thing. Nurul’s has wonderful food. His Chicken Korma and Butter Chicken is just heavenly and the quality is consistent. Many of us fell in love with his cooking during his years at the Shinglemill, and he’s carried over the tradition of the Tuesday night buffet. The prices are on the high side, but each meal has several courses and portions are generous. The downside is, now that he’s opened his own restaurant, the aesthetics are really lacking. It looks so tacky from the outside, wonky vinyl siding, windows smeared from a sloppy paint job, and a front door that gives the opposite of a good impression. If you brave the outward appearances and step through the door, the smell of delicious food bolsters your confidence in the place. The decor really needs help, but it’s clean and there is some interesting art on the walls. I have to give Nurul’s a thumbs-up because the food is so good. I would suggest that Nurul needs to have fewer ‘fusion’ dishes, and more traditional Indian food. And I strongly suggest he pay attention to the ambiance he is creating if he wants to have a successful business.

Black Tie Bakery

This bakery has been on the decline since I came to Powell River 3 years ago. I think it’s just about hit rock bottom now. Some people remember years back when Black Tie used real dairy products in their baked goods. It was these old memories that motivated my coworkers to buy a cake from Black Tie recently, made to order for a workplace celebration. Honest to god, any supermarket cake would have surpassed this sorry mess. It was ugly, tasteless, with the whipped shortening frosting that is the mark of cheap baking. And the slimy yellow had no discernible flavor, but I’m guessing, based on the color clue that it was supposed to be lemon. Our celebratory cake was disgraceful. And I imagine the owners of Black Tie go around whining how “people just don’t support local independent bakeries”. They should either close up shop or get a manager/baker who sets some decent standards.

Iguana Bros.

Word of mouth was giving a thumbs up to the new Mexican place that opened in the little space up on Glacier, formerly occupied by Magpie’s Diner. I was skeptical, because I don’t really trust British Columbian’s taste when it comes to Mexican food or pizza. For the sake of this blog, I decided to give it a go, and try 3 varieties of taco and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t as wonderful as some of the State-side taco trucks, but it was pretty darn good. The tacos were made with those little mini corn tortillas, doubled, and there was a nice green salsa with fresh cilantro and chopped onion sprinkled on each one. I didn’t care for the seasoning on the pork taco, but the chicken and the grilled beef were both really tasty. I’d like to go back and try their fajitas next time. The menu is limited, but that’s not a bad thing. They have some fusion items on the menu that sound pretty weird to me, and a nice sounding vegetarian option: Taco de papas, or potato taco. I imagine that would taste pretty good if the seasoning is right. Anyway, I think this place looks pretty promising. I appreciate that it looks clean, and they’ve done some beach-themed painting and decorating. It’s nice to have a place where we can get some tasty protein, that isn’t typical fast food.

The Fry Guy’s Smokie Cart

Located at the intersection of Alberni and Marine, the Fry cart and the Smokies/Hot Dog cart attract a lot of business during the week. I finally tried one of the Smokies, and I have to tell you, they are doing it right. The Smokies are of excellent quality: good texture, great seasoning, and a casing that pops when you bite into it. They will do them extra black if you like them that way, and there are some nice condiments as well. I didn’t try the Dogs, because why would I eat a Dog when Smokies are available? Thumbs up for the Smokie cart and many thanks to Romeo for bringing food carts to PR.

Vietnam Cuisine

This isn’t a bad place, but it’s not a great place either. Despite the name, this place is actually pan-Asian. That’s usually not a good thing. The people are nice, the portions are good, the price is reasonable. The Tom Ka Gai is tasty. I haven’t tried the Pho, but will make a point of doing it for the sake of the blog. The Pad Thai is good, and I’ve enjoyed the Thai curries as well. But if you are looking for Vietnamese food, you may be disappointed.

Starbucks

Yeah, I know: it’s a chain, and an American one at that.
But I am very happy that we have a Starbucks in Powell River, because I really like their coffee. If you want a decadent treat, get a double tall Breve latte. Worst deal in the house is the oatmeal. Geezus, $4 for a measly little cup of instant oatmeal?!
On the positive side, it’s nice to see that our Starbucks hires old people as well as the young and beautiful. And there is an outdoor area where you can soak in the sun, but it’s pretty noisy from the nearby traffic, and most days you have to keep your coat on. But that’s life on the coast, eh?

River City Coffee

Good coffee, limited selection of tea, really good scones. I especially like the spinach and feta scones. The ambiance is the nicest of Powell River’s coffee shops. It is like an urban coffee house with high ceilings, dark rich colors on the walls, lots of space so you can grab a table and homestead for several hours without anyone looking at you funny. The servers are really nice too. FYI there are Gluten Free offerings at River City, and if that is a concern for you, the Almond Bread sandwiches are really good.

Nancy’s Bakery in Lund

Sitting out on the patio with one of Nancy’s Cinnamon Buns and a cup of strong black coffee is a happy, happy place to be. The goods are fresh and real, the ambiance is no fuss and self serve. I haven’t tried one of their sandwiches, but I have a feeling it would be great. Do yourself a favor: drive up to Lund, take a picture next to the Mile Zero of Highway 101 marker, then stroll over to Nancy’s for a treat. Admire the boats and the water and the view, take a deep breath and just relax.

Snickers

Stay away. Just don’t go there.

Good take-out in Powell River

Paparazzi Pizza is good (by BC standards) and they deliver, but stay away from the pepperoni. It is bland, musky-tasting, and ugly as hell. Another word of warning… Everyone at Paparazzi is nice except the owner. She is always cantankerous, and unfortunately, you can’t report her to the management. So if you can avoid the owner and avoid the pepperoni, you’ll be ok.

Thaidal Zone is also very good, and it travels well. Great quality and quantity. Try the V10 from the vegetarian section. Green beans, fried tofu in a red curry sauce. Be sure to order rice because the don’t give it away for free.

Sushi-to-Go is a welcome newcomer to Powell River. They make their sushi to order, it tastes great and the prices are good. If you like the seaweed and sesame salads, theirs is very good. However, it seems very strange that there is no raw fish, or raw anything on the menu. And they use canned tuna in the tuna roll! Seriously?!

Rene’s Pasta has hot dishes to go, or you can just buy the fresh pasta and sauce and do it yourself at home. Really yummy comfort food can be found at Rene’s.

Skeeter Jacks is about 15 minutes south of town, and people don’t go there for the ambiance. But they have a Halibut Sandwich that is sooo good it’s worth the drive. It’s served on a plain old hamburger bun, but it all works very well.

Little Hut Curry has a limited menu, but their food is just wonderful. I love the butter chicken, papadam, and the fried paneer. Last time I checked, they would deliver your lunch if you call in the morning with your order.

Beach Hut has great Fish and Chips has the best Fish and Chips dinner in this region. I get the halibut because I love the taste and texture. They are making their own tartar sauce, and it’s really tasty. The coleslaw is just ok, and the chips are good. Thank god we finally have some decent Fish and Chips in Powell River!

Silke’s Organic Market tends to err on the side of healthy rather than tasty. But one exception is the awesome Breakfast Cookie. It is chewy, and delicious, and chuck full of pumpkin seeds and other tasty stuff. Their cold sandwiches are pretty good, but could benefit from a little salt in the bread. They have lots of comfortable seating, and it’s a nice place to relax if you have time to linger.

Smokie Cart at Alberni and Marine. The Smokies are of excellent quality: good texture, great seasoning, and a casing that pops when you bite into it. They will do them extra black if you like them that way, and there are some nice condiments as well.

Magpie Diner in the old Rodmay Hotel makes a great breakfast bagel and it’s the perfect thing to take down to the ferry on your way out of town. A real egg, cooked medium hard, nice bacon, cheese and a tangy slice of tomato: it’s enough to make you drool. If you give them 15 minutes lead time, they’ll have it ready for you to pick up.

Iguana Bros. up on Glacier Avenue, serve up some pretty tasty tacos. The chicken ones were great. I can’t vouch for other menu items, but, based on the tacos, I imagine it’s all pretty good.