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The Round-up:

• Food - 3.5 out of 5
• Service - 2.5 out of 5
• Atmosphere - 2 out of 5
• Overall - 8 out of 15

It's time to take ourselves to a new part of town on the blog: North Albert Street.

True, North Albert isn't exactly a dining mecca. But there are a few bright spots among the autobody shops and gas stations. Chappy's Restaurant and Lounge is one of them.

Tucked into a strip mall across the street from the Northgate Mall, Chappy's is an unassuming kind of place. It's located so far off the street that you'd hardly notice it -- most people probably don't at all.

My focus today is on Chappy's brunch only, as that's the only meal I've eaten there.

Big Willie, the Advertising Exec, and myself stopped in on a recent Sunday for some grub. I use the term "grub" deliberately because that's what Chappy's serves: good, honest, homecooking with no shortage of butter n' bacon fat.

The Advertising Exec had been trying to get us to Chappy's for weeks, claiming it to be one of Regina's best greasy spoons. In that respect, I think he's right.

You don't go to Chappy's because it's chic, or decorated oh-so-cutely. You go because it's cheap and the brunch hits the spot.

For about $10, you will be treated to delicious buttery hashbrowns; crispy bacon (and plenty of it); scrambled eggs; breakfast sausage; lasagna; a bit of fruit; a couple of desserts; and some juice. And Chappy's Sunday brunch is a buffet, so fill your plate a couple of times (at least). We certainly did.

Service can be slightly off the mark, but since it's a help-yourself kind of joint that doesn't really matter.

Do something different and head up to North Albert one weekend for some grub. And don't forget your appetite.

I could just cry. My newest post disappeared in all the blogger madness. Friday the 13th... go figure!! So for those that left me comments thank you! I really appreciated them. Did any of you lose posts also?
Well here goes again...
I wanted to share some of my dream sofas with you. There are LOTS of pictures because I have LOTS of favorite sofas and these barely scratch the surface. Won't you join me for a minute (or ten *winks*) and dream along with me?
Warning in advance... I don't like much that's shiny bright. I really prefer a time worn well loved patina. So if modern and sleek is your thing? This isn't for you... Just sayin'
OK let me start with this piece of deliciousness! Part chaise part sofa. Can't you imagine this with some large down aubusson pillows? I think I could lounge here all day! Maybe I could get my hubby to feed me some grapes? LOL!

This is my own living room sofa and I really do love it. It has its original silk upholstery from the 1920's and the cushions are pure down. It looks great until you sit on it and then it looks a flat mess.

I'd trade it in a red hot minute for this one from Rubylane (11k on sale HERE) *gulps and *drools*... Not a pretty sight! LOL! Me not the sofa!

Or this wonderful corbeille style. Corbeille translates to basket in French.

Isn't this one gorgeous?

This one has room for lots of friends!

I love the grand decay of this one

I really love high backed sofas and the enclosed safe feeling they provide. One of the sofa styles that lends itself to this wonderfully is the knole sofa or settee. The knole dates from 17th century England as is named for Knole House in Kent. It was originally used as a type of throne. Both the sides and back are equal in height and each end is tied on the top with ropes which fold down to create a lounge of sorts. Honestly I'm not sure what this is all about? But it is cool don'tcha think?

Many years ago I fell in love with the knole sofa in Rose Tarlow's living room. It had the perfect patina. Just the right amount of wear and tear and it didn't hurt that it was chinoiserie in style either *winks*

Weeeellll eventually Ms. Tarlow decided to let it go and it turned up on 1st dibbs. Alas it was not to be in my home because at 13k (If I remember correctly) it wasn't in my price point *sighs* Isn't it fab? Maybe a little too shabby for some, but I LOVE it!!

This one would make a nice alternative.

I love the antique 17th century tapestry on this one.

This is a set of knole sofas in Sidney Poitier's living room. Just gorgeous!

And this one in pink is adorable!

I finally managed after years of searching to find my own lil' pink knole sofa. It's from the 1920's and also has down filled cushions. I found it in a local antique store for $300. I'm thinking of adding some fringe to the bottom. Do you think I should? This one is a keeper!

Here's where it ties at the top.

And changing direction a little I'm also wild for french daybeds! Are you? I immediately fell in love with this smooshy wooshy perfect daybed that belongs to Joni's (Cote de Texas) sister in law's sister (Did you catch that? LOL!) I don't usually love blue but I'd redecorate my entire living room for this one!

Love this Louis XVI style.

And this one.Those little bolster pillows make me weak in the knees every time!

And I also love this Louis XV style...

This is my own antique Louis XV daybed. I purchased it without really thinking about where it might go in my house? I had visions of lounging upon it in front of a sunny window with a good book. Usually this devil may care strategy works for me but not this time *sighs* There just isn't room (Or enough sunny windows!) So off to etsy it will go. An expensive mistake.

Hand carved details.

I found this similar one in gray at the Paris Apartment Boutique that I love!

I'm also mad for the smaller corbeille settees! Each one wraps itself around you like a nice hug!

Tatty but darling.

Beautiful in aubusson.

Lovely in salmon.

Luscious in silk.

I'll just have to be happy for now with my little $60ish funky green velvet settee (in my home gym) from craigslist. At least until that money tree in my backyard starts to grow. *winks*

I'm also crazy for the English chesterfield. This one is my dream come true! Perfectly aged and worn leather from the 19th century.

And this one is mine. In this delusion *winks* I had an English library with a roaring fire and floor to ceiling leather books... But again in reality not the space *sighs* And the scale was all wrong for what I actually DO have. So off to craigslist it goes.

And yet another dream piece run amok. I love this french iron crib/daybed! Don't the textiles just make it in this shot?

And my own very similar iron daybed. I bought it as an outdoor sofa for my side deck but it really isn't sturdy enough for multiple people to sit on. Especially in my family where some people tend to be + sized *winks* So off to etsy it goes.

So some of the dream pieces I've managed to aquire turned out to be lifelong keepers and others not quite so dreamy after all. Have you experienced this? Longing for a certain piece for years and years only to find that the reality didn't meet your expectations? Or surpassed them? I'd love to hear your stories! Meanwhile I'm going to keep on dreaming... You never know what you'll find at the next garage sale *winks* Vanna
I'm joining my friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

Jill at The French Country Cupboard for:

And my dear friend Laurie at Bargain Hunting And Chatting With Laurie for:

The Round-up:

• Food - 3.5 out of 5
• Service - 3 out of 5
• Decor - 4 out of 5
• Total - 10.5 out of 15

3255 Quance Street, Regina, SK.
Phone: 306-586-7625

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I have to admit, Regina's East End isn't a part of town I visit all that often. I make the long drive down Victoria Street East once every week or two, usually to pay a visit to Costco. The rest of the time, I prefer doing my shopping in other parts of town where the traffic is a little less likely to cause a headache and a little more likely to support local business.

As a result, I often forget about one of our city's best casual restaurants. Rock Creek Tap and Grill opened about three years ago. The sight of a locally owned restaurant among the many chains that line the East End's streets was a welcome one. To boot, the food was great and the decor was classy, without being all uppity.

I've made several more trips to Rock Creek for good appetizers and great meals since then, but my last trip was almost a year ago. Until yesterday.

We arrived around 1 o'clock and the parking lot was almost totally full. A pretty good sign for a Saturday afternoon. As usual, we sat in the lounge where a table for six was easier to come by. We made ourselves comfortable and managed to score a couple of menus (literally two). Like I said, it was busy. Drinks were a bit slow to come by, as was the waitress to take our order, but thankfully we weren't in any hurry.

When it came time to order, we stuck mainly to pub-food classics, or Comfort Food, as the menu calls it: Chicken Fingers with fries; the Hickory Barbecue Chicken Burger; the Black and Blue Burger (a Cajun-style sirloin burger with blue cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato); and the Quance Street Club (grilled chicken breast, smoked bacon, pea shoots, tomato, avocado, jack cheese and pesto aioli).

The food hit our table in good time and we dug in with gusto. Things suddenly got very quiet. Only the sound of chewing and the odd, "Mmm, this is good," broke the silence. The portions were hearty, as were the sides. I had a spicy cup of Chicken Vegetable with my Club. With four or five slices of jalapeno pepper floating in the broth, it was an interesting soup. I'll leave it at that.

Big Poppa, my dad, was making short work of his burger with yam fries next to me. Across the table my sister, normally an adventurous diner, was munching on the chicken fingers. It was a choice she didn't regret. The Calgary Boys also had no complaints about their sandwiches. Actually, they ate them so fast that I'm not totally sure what one of them ordered.

Rock Creek's menu is a savvy one -- there's the right mix of classic standbys and new inventions to keep you interested, and to keep you coming back. On the appetizer menu, you'll find everything from Cajun Blackened Guac Scallops to good-'ole nachos (with bacon and banana peppers). The lounge has food and drink specials almost every night of the week, and a bevy of fancy TVs. Can't get tickets to the next Rider game? Try hanging out here. If you can get a parking spot, that is.

www.rockcreekgrill.com

Two things of importance to report today. Actually, make that three.

1.) I am still on a carbohydrate high from all the perogies, rice, noodles, pasta, and dessert consumed during Mosaic this weekend. Hope that everyone indulged just as much as I did at this great annual event that showcases just how diverse our city is.

2.) A few weeks ago I posted a review of The Mercury Cafe. Since that time, a number of people have posted comments about the place. Last week, one reader alleged that the Mercury's burgers were not homemade, contrary to what it says on the Mercury's menu. Here's what she wrote:

Anonymous said...

May 26, 2010 9:37 PM

I was a bit shocked by this. I really believed the burger I ate was homemade -- both the look and taste of the burger did not seem like they came from Safeway across the street. Then again, you never really know unless you're in the kitchen standing next to the chef.
Today, I posted two more comments on this topic, presumably from employees at the Mercury. They said:

June 4, 2010 9:59 AM

Dave said...

June 5, 2010 6:39 PM

The Round-up:

• Food - 4 out of 5
• Service - 4 out of 5
• Decor - 3.5 out of 5
• Total - 11.5 out of 15

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Until about a month ago I'd never ventured into the warm and cozy world of Skara restaurant.

I don't exactly know why this is.

Maybe it was Skara's former life as a middle-of-the-road family restaurant that kept me away -- it's hard for a restaurant to reinvent, after all.

Or maybe it was the fact that until quite recently I lived and worked downtown. A jaunt to South Albert Street wasn't as routine a thing as it is these days.

Maybe I just didn't like Skara's red-and-black colour scheme. Or its aura. OK, kidding about that last part.

Whatever my reasons, I've come to realize they were wrong. All wrong. I've now been to Skara twice with plans to go back for more.

The first thing that struck me about Skara was the size of the place -- a lot bigger than I'd imagined. The restaurant houses a moderately sized dining room with plenty of comfortable booths; a lounge with more booths, several tables and TVs for watching sports; and a private dining room large enough to seat 30 or 40 guests. Even the bathrooms are roomy at Skara (truth be told, I can only speak for the men on that point). The best part of Skara's decor? There's plenty of deep, dark wood and dim lighting. It's like an old-school steakhouse without all the velvet. And it's very relaxing.

Now, as for the food? On both of my visits it has been delicious. The appetizers and a number of the entrees have a Greek/Mediterranean flair to them -- the restaurant is under Greek ownership, so it figures. And of the ones I've sampled, everything has been pretty much perfect. The Calamari is crispy without being too chewy; the Shrimp Ouzeri (tiger prawns and cherry tomatoes sauteed in ouzo) was absolutely delicious, striking just the right blend of sweet and savoury.

The other night I opted to try something from the entree menu. It was a tough choice between the Skara Stuffed Chicken (recommended by our waiter), the Greek Chicken, or the Tomato Feta Garlic Prawns. In the end, the prawns won out. Mr. K, my pal and tablemate, went for the Stuffed Rainbow Trout.

Neither of us were disappointed. The food was brought to the table in good time by our excellent waiter. My prawns were artfully presented in a mound, next to pan-friend veggies and a stuffed potato. Yes, there are many stuffed things at Skara. This isn't a bad thing, in my books.

I guess my only complaint about my dish was that there wasn't quite enough of it to eat. It wasn't exactly small, but then it wasn't huge either. And I have a bit of a reputation for being a "big eater". Or so I'm told.

On the other hand, I definitely didn't go home hungry.

As I hinted above, the service at Skara has been good-to-excellent on both of my visits, particularly the last one on a Friday night. Staff seem to genuinely want to make sure that diners are happy and enjoying their meals -- not always the case in other eateries.

All in all, Skara, you have a new friend. A hungry one. See you again soon.

The Round-up:

• Food - 4.5 out of 5
• Service - 3.5 out of 5
• Decor - 4 out of 5
• Total - 12 out of 15

2228 Albert St., Regina, SK.
Phone: 306-546-3660 _______________
There are plenty of reasons why La Bodega is one of Regina's best restaurants.

OK, I guess you want me to name them. So here goes:

1.) La Bodega took an old, forgotten, decrepit house in the Cathedral neighbourhood and turned it into a hip, vibrant, intimate restaurant. That's not just luck, it's good planning. Previous owners of the building launched a bakery in the same spot and it was a massive flop within a year.

2.) So why has La Bodega succeeded? I think there are three key ingredients: a smart menu, a great location, and a design that allows La Bodega to be a restaurant, lounge, and/or concert venue depending on the time of day and the day of the week. They say you can't be all things to all people, but somehow La Bodega has always managed to attract the cool kids and the business lunch crowd and middle-aged couples just looking for a nice meal. That's no easy feat.

3.) Food -- of course, La Bodega would be nothing without the food. When La Bodega opened almost 10 years ago, no one in Regina had ever heard of tapas. Executive chef and owner Adam Sperling brought a creative, exciting menu to the Queen City and presented it in a way that was fresh and interesting to diners. Most people fell in love with the place after just one visit. And even now, the chefs continue to change and improve upon their menu, revealing new versions of it several times per year, keeping old favourites and introducing new ventures. And if a menu item doesn't work, La Bodega gets rid of it.
4.) Unless you're at Smitty's or an unapologetic hole-in-the-wall, a restaurant's decor is almost as important as what's on the plate (I said almost). La Bodega has always got the decor part right by using a mix of sophisticated yet rustic furnishings. The plain and sometimes mismatched wooden tables and chairs are jazzed up by much-more daring artwork and colours on the walls. The music -- never radio and certainly not Top 40 -- captures the worldly nature of the place without coming off as fake or, worse, New-Agey. In short, La Bodega's gypsy chic style is the Cathedral neighbourhood in a nutshell. It fits into its surroundings naturally. What more could you ask for?
5.) OK, this last reason is half-serious and half a joke. But when La Bodega first opened, they sold alcohol at ridiculously cheap prices. The food was never undervalued, but the drinks sure were. And people loved it. So they stayed for another. And another. And hey, can we see that menu again? We're hungry now. Over the years, it seems the prices of booze have crept upward, but you can still get a decent glass of wine for $5-6 per glass.
So, what's the downside? La Bodega's biggest weakness is its weekend brunch. The menu is nowhere near as tasty as what's on offer for weekday lunch or suppertime. And the prices for an Eggs Benny border on the obscene. To me, the best breakfasts in the world are cheap and dirty. Get in, drink your weight in coffee, and get out $8 later.
Otherwise La Bodega, you rock.
http://www.labodegaregina.ca/