Since moving to Vancouver from my native Montreal, there are three things I’ve missed over the course of my eight years here: mom, a proper smoked meat, and a really good French bistro. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the caliber of the French cuisine this city has to offer, an overall quality to rival that of my home city. Vancouver provides diners with some truly remarkable high-end choices, but when it comes to more casual French fare, it’s been mighty slim pickings. Yes, several potential candidates come to mind but, having visited most, I found that none truly captured the spirit of the homey French bistros I would patronize back east – until Bistrot Bistro came along. Finally, a place that got it right: great food, modest prices, and, most important of all, a warmth and conviviality that marks every visit.
I’d been hearing quite a bit about Jules of late and wondered whether it too had managed to capture that elusive savoir Bistro fare. From what I’d been told, the owner was a native Quebecer. That in itself offered hope.
It was a hot Thursday night and, upon walking into the place, I was struck by two things: the delightfully quaint décor reminiscent of the Old Montreal district I used to frequent in my McGill University days, and the lack of air conditioning. As we settled in and I noticed the perspiration beginning to bead on Ivon’s forehead, I thought “We’d better make this quick.” Thankfully, however, one pre-dinner mojito later and he was looking much better – not quite as hot and, even if he was, certainly not minding it nearly as much.
We started off by sharing some appetizers: an excellent heirloom tomato and Bononcini salad, a rustic pate served with a red onion compote and the requisite gherkins and pickled onions, one of the best terrines de foie gras I’ve had in recent memory, and a so-so tuna tartare.
For dinner, Ivon thoroughly enjoyed his ahi tuna steak – an nice thick flavorful piece cooked just right – while Fondy and I were equally pleased with our choices: tender AAA rib-eye steaks in dulcet herb butter served with the requisite frites.
The desserts were hit and miss. While the Melting Chocolate Cake with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream impressed with its almost pudding-like texture and deep chocolate flavor, the rice pudding and rhubarb compote was, compote aside, a surprisingly bland affair.
Service was great – friendly, attentive, yet unobtrusive.
I’m pleased to report that, like Bistrot Bistro, Jules is a west-coast bistro that has gotten it right. Now, if I can only find a place that serves a good smoked meat sandwich.
Mailbag –
Firefly827347 writes: “Was just wondering if we’ll be seeing much of Chuck Campbell in season 4?”
Answer: He’ll still be around.
Uber writes: “I remember you saying awhile back that you believed the credits would be similar stylistically to the one used the last two years. Were there any surprises (pleasant ones, of course) or did it turn out pretty much like you expected?”
Answer: There were no surprises because we were the ones to suggest the shots changed and added.
Uber also writes: “Is there a chance that we’ll be able to see it prior to the new season?”
Answer: Sorry. At present there are no plans to release the new opening credit sequence early.
PG 15 writes: “Oh, and I can’t wait for that package!! Just a note though…how poisonous is it, exactly? I mean, the actors would have to act near them, so I’m thinking breathing a lot near it is not a problem?”
Answer: It’s of minimal poisonosity, but it really depends what you mean by “a lot”.
PG15 writes: “As you said, Season 4 is more arc-based (ok, you may not have said that, but it was implied); how arc-based is it? For instance, if I miss an episode, would I be lost come the next one?”
Answer: You wouldn’t be lost. We still try to keep the episodes as self-contained as possible. That said, we’ll be making use of the “previously on” feature whenever necessary.
Redhooks writes: “Will the Travelers appear in a third episode near the end of the season?”
Answer: You’ll have to watch BAMSR to find out.
Promogirl writes: “Many times the directors talk about the difficulty in keeping scenes in the briefing room fresh (from a shooting perspective). Was there ever any talk of replacing it with a new set? Any chance it was replaced for the movies?”
Answer: No and no.
Glennh73 writes: “Are we going to see the gate malfuction anytime soon,I always enjoyed those episodes.”
Answer: One gate malfunction coming up. Check out This Mortal Coil.
M writes: “Do the actors/cast of SGA ever have clauses that say that they should 1) avoid certain strenous exercise 2) keep certain appearances (eg hair length etc)? I guess I’ve just been curious since Mr Flanigan has hinted that he’s not supposed to do extreme sports etc.”
Answer: It’s funny you should mention this as Mr. F. is presently suffering from a sprained wrist that may curtail his bantos swinging.
Anonymous #1 writes: “Is there any story you wished could of been told that wasnt or any storyline you wish you could of added too? Like Daniels Grandpap or the Ashen?”
Answer: Nothing really comes to mind.
Zabadoo writes: “1.)What was the worst thing about working in children’s television? 2.)Are there any drawbacks on writing for Stargate? 3.)Will there be even any mention of Ford in the next season? It just seems that not only is he in any other episodes, but he also isn’t spoken of. 4.)Will fourth season episodes dealing with the Wraith or the Asurans be mainly dialogue-based or action-based? Any “Reckoning” style episodes in the near future for Atlantis?”
Answers: 1) Being forced to dumb down scripts because producers generally underestimated the intelligence of children. 2) Not sure what you mean by drawbacks. 3) No mention of Ford so far. 4) More weighted toward action but studded with scintillating dialogue. BAMSR.
Minigeek writes: “Poor little Kobe though. Sure you can’t get him also??? He needs a loving family, too!”
Answer: I know, I know. That’s my one big regret. I told Fondy’s business partner that I felt badly because I knew that we could have provided a very good home for the little guy and there’s no knowing where he’ll end up. Her response: “You can’t save them all.” Still.
Knightowl writes: “Whats Fondy’s Dog Grooming business called?”
Answer: Petit Four Pet Boutique.
MsStargate writes: “Which episode will Amanda be making her debut?”
Answer: Episode #1 – Adrift.
Kath writes: “ 1.Have you ever brought the pugs to work? 2. How long have you and Paul been writing partners, and how did you meet?”
Answers: 1. If my dogs came to work, I’d be constantly worried about them wandering off. Once, way back in season four, Jelly made a run for it. I chased around the parking lot for a good ten minutes before Rick strolled over, scooped her up, and handed her over. 2) Seems like forever. We met in a creative writing class.
Anonymous #2 writes: “I was curious why Brad isn’t joining Rob at Comic Con, or having a separate Continuum panel?”
Answer: Ark of Truth will be released first so the focus of the pnale will be on the first movie.
Rosie writes: “What do you think of Jack McDevitt’s books?”
Answer: I have Seeker but have yet to get around to it.
Agent Dark writes: “Just curious as to why Carter wears an Atlantis expedition uniforms rather than her Air Force dress uniform?”
Answer: She wears an Atlantis uniform because she will be a member of the Atlantis possessing both military and civilian authority.
Atlantisfannew1 a ecrit: “Dans la saison 4 ont verra beaucoup les geniis??”
Answer: Pas beaucoup. Mais peut-etre un peu.
Kiwigater writes: “Does it feel weird not having SG1 up and running around you now that you’re back from hiatus?”
Answer: It does. Especially when lunch time rolls around and we no longer have a choice between TWO catering trucks.
Anonymous #3 writes: “Of the 18 books read during your break (good on you) which would rank as the favorite?”
Answer: My top five in no particular order – Consider Phlebas, The Player of Games, Camp Concentration, Before They Are Hanged, and The Light Fantastic.
Anonymous #4 writes: “ Is the Sam Carter that’s going to be on Atlantis in season 4 an AU Sam?”
Answer: Uh, no.
Anonymous #5 writes: “When will you know for sure if Atlantis will have a season 5?”
Answer: Anytime between now and this this winter.
Alipeeps writes: “If I beg really pitifully could you cheer me up with some enticing Season 4 gossip?”
Answer: Hmmmm. Gossip? Well, we were just watching a scene in which Sheppard and Teyla have a bit of a heated exchange. Interesting, no?
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