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Archive for June, 2007

Developer who left buyers in a lurch is an anomaly

Saturday, June 9th, 2007

Still, if you are considering buying a home before construction and have concerns about the contract, get a lawyer to review it

Peter Simpson
Sun

In May, 2005, Donna MacDonald, a 55-year-old single mom, purchased a home at the Riverbend community in Coquitlam. The developer told her that her home would be completed in five months, with a possession date of Oct. 31.

The fixed possession date gave her the confidence to sell the home she owned, by coordinating the sale with the move-in date of her new home. Everything was unfolding according to plan — or so she thought.

So much for best-laid plans.

MacDonald says the developer didn’t submit the building permit application until September, making completion in time for an Oct. 31 possession unlikely. How ironic that Halloween proved to hold a cruel trick for a family anxious to climb up the real estate ladder.

Instead of moving up, the MacDonalds moved down — into a friend’s basement, where they stayed for one year, all the time dealing with numerous notices of delays from the developer. Every time MacDonald expressed concerns about her home, she was told to hang in there, that it would all come together.

Hang in she did, until April 27, nearly two years after she signed the contract of sale and purchase. On that day she received a ”Dear Sirs/Mesdames” letter from the developer.

”You are hereby advised that CB Development 2000 Ltd. has been informed by CareVest Capital Inc., the construction lender for the Riverbend Project, that due to cost overruns and delays they are no longer prepared to grant discharges of the mortgage from the titles to the properties for the amount of the proceeds that would be achieved from the sale of the properties in accordance with the contracts. Accordingly, CB Development 2000 Ltd. will not be able to fulfill its contractual obligations to the purchasers as anticipated in the contracts.”

MacDonald was one of 32 Riverbend buyers who received the same impersonal letter, which was signed, “Yours truly, CB Development 2000 Ltd. Per G. Hayward.”

Grayden Hayward is president of CB Development. His son-in-law, Craig Lochhead, is a partner. The real estate agent is Marion Lochhead, Craig’s wife and Hayward’s daughter. Hayward is a director and secretary-treasurer of the executive committee of the Vancouver Board of Trade. He is also a director of the Vancouver Airport Authority.

During a television interview, a representative of CareVest said the developer, not the lender, pulled the plug on the project. Following investigation, the B.C. Superintendent of Real Estate slapped a cease-marketing order on the Riverbend project. Homebuyers are suing the developer to have their contracts honoured and, as of this writing, CareVest has asked the B.C. Supreme Court to place the developer in receivership and has commenced foreclosure proceedings.

So, with lenders, lawyers and receivers jockeying for position, what is to become of the homebuyers? When you buy a new home, the instant the deal becomes firm, you assume ownership — in your mind, at least. You visit the construction site regularly, often with family and friends, to check progress and take photos. You start thinking about furniture placement, Sunday dinners, starting a family, Christmases.

MacDonald, still in a state of disbelief, is unsure of her future. “I don’t have a backup plan; I didn’t think I would need one.”

Melanie and Peter Betz purchased a home at Riverbend in September 2005. They were scheduled to move in on May 31, 2006. Instead, they are living in one of two show homes on site. MacDonald is a tenant in the other. Given the receivership application, both families expect to be told to leave any day.

“I am shocked, confused and angry,” Melanie reports. “We bought furniture, set up preschool for our two-year-old daughter. Now we have to start over, but we don’t know where to go. We paid $349,000 for our home. A similar one in nearby Port Coquitlam, although five years old, is on the market for $489,900. We can’t afford that kind of money.”

Gonzalo and Colleen Ledezma, 33 and 30, bought at Riverbend in January, 2006. Married in 2000, the Ledezmas had a plan — buy their first home, start a family, then climb the real-estate ladder. They first purchased an apartment, then traded up to a townhouse, then set their sights on a single-family-detached Riverbend home. During this process they had two boys, now age 2 and 4.

”We are currently living in my parents’ home, since we had to move from our townhouse,” Gonzalo reports. ”Our youngest son sleeps in the same bedroom with my wife and me, while our oldest boy sleeps on a rollaway bed in my father’s office. All we want is our home. We are looking for a White Knight to help us out. Having to start all over again with last year’s dollars is just not fair.”

Thirty-two households have just experienced the evaporation of two year’s worth of equity gain — on the Riverbend homes and some of them on the homes they sold.

CB Development’s decision has cast a dark shadow over pre-construction sales and, understandably, a few buyers have called me to express concerns.

Rest assured that developers who have a good track record and intend to be around next year, 10 years and 20 years from now, would not treat their customers this way.

In this hot market, cost overruns and delays are not uncommon, but reputable developers suck it up, fulfill their obligation to the homebuyer, then move on to the next project with their integrity, reputation and brand intact.

The Riverbend mess is very much an anomaly. The reality is we are talking about 32 homes out of more than 18,705 built in the Lower Mainland last year.

If you are considering buying a home before construction, and you have concerns about the conditions in the sales contract, review them with a lawyer experienced in real estate law. You have seven days, by law, to void the purchase.

The families who bought in good faith, who looked forward to moving into their new neighbourhood at Riverbend, deserve their homes. Is there a white knight out there to help them get there?

Peter Simpson is chief executive officer of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association.

RESIDENTS, PURCHASERS CORRESPOND

Riverbend residents in the first two phases and purchasers in the third phase posted more than 500 comments on an Internet site.

Some are optimistic, while others demonstrate a definite tone of disappointment, resignation, even denial.

All comments were posted before CB Development cancelled the 32 third-phase sales contracts. Following is a sampling:

Resident, June, 2006: “Hello everyone. I have been here a year and a half. It took four addendums on date changes before I was able to move in. Love the house and subdivision. It’s a great place to live.”

Purchaser, July, 2006: “I’m sure everything will work out for everyone. It’s just taking so-o-o-o long. Isn’t there a saying that good things come to those who wait?”

Purchaser, July, 2006: “I think there is a saying like that, but at this point I just want my stinking house. The . . . place always makes me smile.”

Purchaser, August, 2006: “They are a year behind schedule and still no sense of urgency on their part. Frustrating! I don’t plan on going back to Riverbend for a while – I can’t take the disappointment.”

Purchaser, August, 2006: “Met a nice resident. Looks like everyone has had to wait and everyone has had issues. He assured us the developer will not run out of money.”

Purchaser, August, 2006: “I am not worried they will not complete because of lack of funds. I am just worried by the lack of movement at the site and wonder if it will ever get done.”

Purchaser, September, 2006: “It will be worth it in the end. At least we can look forward to spring planting for sure.”

Ex-purchaser, October, 2006: “We bought in July, 2005 and were told our move-in date was spring, 2006. Then we were told a year. We made a painful decision to opt out after receiving our first extension letter.”

Purchaser, February, 2007: “Like an idiot I starting packing in August, 2005. Hahahaha! Our tiny condo is bursting at the seams.”

Purchaser, February, 2007:

” . . . lack of urgency and compassion they have just makes me so angry and frustrated. . . ”

– Peter Simpson

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

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Housing slowdown smacks Realtors hard

Friday, June 8th, 2007

Noelle Knox
USA Today

Cynthia McCallum exits a model home in Stafford, Va., with DeeDee Skotzko, a Centex Homes representative, right, and Chris Beach, a Coldwell Banker agent, far left.

STAFFORD, Va. — Chris Beach often works through lunch and seldom leaves the office before 9 p.m. So far this year, he’s taken 2½ days off from work. And he hesitates now to take vacations, because he fears losing business: potential home buyers or sellers.

“My wife went out and bought two dogs because I’m never home,” says Beach, whose hands-free cellular earpiece seems permanently attached to his head.

This is the life of a real estate agent in a market in which in the past year home sales have tumbled 30%, prices have fallen 13% and there’s a one-year supply of homes for sale.

In many markets across the country, the glamour of the go-go days — when investors bought homes sight-unseen and lenders didn’t require down payments — are gone. In those areas now, the job of an agent is one of chasing leads, marketing like hell and chauffeuring hesitant buyers to open house after open house.

“Since the first of the year here, I’ve shown more homes than all of last year, and worked more hours on a regular basis,” says Beach, 39, one of the top-producing agents at Coldwell Banker Elite.

For many of today’s agents, this is the first housing downturn they’ve ever seen, and it’s become a belt-tightening test of their staying power. Nearly 25% of Realtors nationwide received their real estate license in the past two years, just as the market had peaked and was turning south.

Plenty of them were like Trish Hiles, who didn’t “like sales per se,” but, tempted by the image of agents earning easy money, got her license in the summer of 2005. The market was so sizzling-hot, she recalls, that a developer told her she would “be turning people away.”

Not exactly. Realtors with two years’ experience or less earned a median income of just $15,300 last year, according to the National Association of Realtors. After taxes, association fees and marketing costs, they pocketed a mere $9,400. (Chart, below.)

The burnout rate for new agents has always been high. But what about when sales and prices are falling? How does a skidding housing market alter the life of a Realtor? To help answer this question, Coldwell Banker Elite in Stafford, Va., allowed a USA TODAY reporter to follow around its agents for four days.

During the real estate boom, Stafford County was one of the fastest-growing bedroom communities in the Washington, D.C., area. Working-class families flocked here in search of more affordable homes, and the local housing market exploded as developers bulldozed miles of trees to make way for sprawling neighborhoods and strip malls. The median home price here more than doubled from $172,000 at the end 2001 to a peak of $403,840 in May 2006, according to Metropolitan Regional Information Systems.

That means the typical seller was writing a 6% commission check for $24,230.

The disappearing commission

The reality, though, is that most new agents don’t see a check anywhere near that big in their first few years because, whether the market is hot or cold, the agent’s broker takes the first slice of the commission — in exchange for providing office support, some training and leads and brand recognition. And the newer the agent, the bigger the broker’s slice.

Many homeowners don’t realize that when they sign a listing agreement to sell, they aren’t actually signing a contract with the agent. Their contract is with the real estate company’s broker, who is legally responsible for the agent.

The broker gets the commission check from the seller, then splits it with the agent, who’s an independent contractor. It’s common for new agents to take home just 50% of their commission. More senior producers might pocket 70%.

On the sale of the median-priced U.S. home of $220,500, if the seller’s broker received a 6% commission ($13,230), half would go to the buyer’s broker. The sales agent might get as little as $3,308.

Out of that, the agent must pay the cost of marketing the home. And when home sales drop, marketing consumes more time and more money.

Hiles, 43, recalls spending two days in her kitchen making soups, salads, cookies and other dishes for an open house for other agents. She printed the menu on posters and delivered them to rival real estate firms.

With a growing glut of homes for sale, she felt she had to do something to tempt local real estate agents to come see her client’s $735,000 home in Stafford. On the day of the open house for the agents, she raffled off $5 lottery tickets every half hour; she didn’t have enough money for bigger prizes as other agents did.

Still, Hiles spent five months marketing and showing the home before it sold in spring 2006. She got two more listings. Yet they just sat on the market.

“Sellers get mad at you because this has been an incredible market for years. … They want someone to blame it on, and you’ve done everything but stand on your head” to market the property.

After a year, Hiles said, “I can’t do this,” left the business and took a teaching job at her daughter’s elementary school.

Hiles and other rookie agents often fail to anticipate the personal expenses that pile up for independent contractors. The biggest is often health care: 93% of agents must find their own health insurance elsewhere, usually through a working spouse.

Beach, who’s diabetic, spends more than $1,000 a month on health care for himself, his wife and teenage son. Other expenses include his cellphone at $277 a month (he makes or takes over 100 calls a day) and a high-speed laser-jet color printer.

Last year, Beach had to write off $65,000 in business expenses on his taxes, but he still managed to clear six figures. This year, with the extra effort, he hopes to do the same, but will still be making about 20% less than in 2004, his best year.

The biggest expenses buyers and sellers never see are the time and money agents spend getting and keeping clients.

On a recent morning, Beach spent three hours preparing a marketing presentation for a potential client who wants to sell his townhouse. The glossy 32-page report compares the owner’s property with a dozen similar townhouses on the market, under contract or recently sold. But as the supply of homes for sales expands, the marketing demands of Beach’s job take longer and longer.

Afterward, he met clients Cynthia and Dennis McCallum, who are selling their home and buying a new-construction one about a quarter-mile away. The contract signing with the builder lasted from 11 a.m. to nearly 3 p.m., with no break for lunch. Beach helped them pick out the best lot, exterior construction materials, even a free sunroom and other features the builder is throwing in to help lure buyers.

At least twice, he will also go with them to the builder’s design center to help the McCallums choose colors, coordinate patterns and select fixtures. These are hours invested in a deal that could still fall apart if the McCallums back out, and even if it goes through, the builder won’t pay him a commission until January when the house is ready.

Trying to impress a potential client, Beach once spent several hundred dollars on aerial photos for a marketing presentation. He didn’t get the listing.

Then there’s the cost of digital photos, video virtual tours, open houses and ad campaigns. Putting a listing on Realtor.com, the No. 1 Internet destination for house hunters, costs $31 to $40 (though agents at this firm receive a discount through their broker). And let’s not forget the time and gas, at $3-plus-a-gallon, to chauffeur buyers around.

Agents Melina Ogershok and Geri Zayas showed one of their buyers 123 properties this spring before she made up her mind.

“The market was just so saturated,” Ogershok says. “There were 1,300 homes for sale between $375,000 and $450,000.”

She and Zayas, who, like many high-volume agents, work as a team, try to inspire client loyalty and recommendations with gifts and tireless service. When a deal closes, the agents often give their buyer a flowering plant, little goodies for the kids and a $50 gift certificate to cover the costs of changing the locks on the house.

They’ve also been known to pay $400 for a home warranty, which protects against certain unexpected repairs. And soon after the buyer moves in, the agents stop by to give them a framed watercolor painting of the new home.

“It’s just another opportunity to say, ‘Hello, we hope you’re happy,’ ” says Ogershok, 50.

To endear themselves to sellers, the women will buy plants to give a homeowner’s property more “curb appeal,” and they’ll help “stage” a home for sale by arranging furniture and adding knickknacks to appeal to buyers.

This pampering level of service, they say, is one of the reasons they’re surviving the downturn in the real estate market. About 80% of their business comes from past clients who are selling or buying another property or referring a friend or relative.

This year, they are working harder but making about 20% less. Last year, the duo had six-figure incomes, “But I’m not sure we will this year,” Ogershok says.

The 60-hour workweek

Nearly 60% of Realtors are women, and many people imagine that the flexible hours make real estate an ideal job for mothers. But that’s hardly true when the market dries up.

“I got clients, and I couldn’t take them and show them houses because I couldn’t get day care” lined up in time, says Lori Gomez, 35, who tried working part time after her son was born. “It’s not like a regular job, and I’m not going to pay for day care in case I get business.” She left the business last year to be a full-time mom.

In fact, 15% of all Realtors worked more than 60 hours a week last year, according to the NAR.

Here’s the payoff: Realtors nationwide who stick with it for six to 15 years earn a median income of $64,600. Those with 16 or more years’ experience bring in a median of $76,200, according to the NAR.

It’s too early to tell how many of the newbie agents can weather this market correction, which is expected to last until late this year, or how many seasoned veterans will decide it’s too much work. Figures are hard to come by because the licenses are usually valid for a couple of years, even if the agent isn’t working in the business.

But in the Stafford area, the local board of Realtors says 61 agents chose not to renew their memberships this year.

And Kevin Breen, the president/owner of Coldwell Banker Elite, says, “We’d thought there would be more.”

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A cabin in the woods can hide thicket of costly thorns

Friday, June 8th, 2007

Whether it’s a cottage or raw land, you’ll pay for having a second home, including surprises

Fiona Anderson
Sun

The thrill of owning a log cabin, like this one looking out over Kootenay Lake and the Selkirk mountains, shouldn’t eclipse financial preparation for the costs. KATHY LUKOVICH/VANCOUVER SUN FILES

Boomers are getting into recreational property in a big way, pushing up prices and starting a feeding frenzy. But before you jump onto the cabin-buying bandwagon, make sure you know what you’re getting into and how much it’s really going to cost.

The good news is that while prices have gone up astronomically in the last few years — with Royal LePage reporting this week that the average price of a waterfront cabin in British Columbia now tops $1 million — there are a lot more financing options available.

Not long ago, financing a recreational property was considered sub-prime so rates were higher, and often a larger down payment was needed. Not so now, says Gord Dahlen, vice-president for Western Canada with Invis.

Now there are many options including a low-rate mortgage with five per-cent down, he said.

“So you can obtain second properties now at first property rates,” Dahlen said.

As a result, from a financing perspective, buying a second home should be no different than a first home. If you qualify — which means your gross income can service the total amount of debt you are taking on, including heating costs and taxes — then you should be able to go ahead and live your dream.

But the buck doesn’t stop there. While some cabins are easily accessible, many dream vacation homes are a boat ride away. So add the regular cost of the ferry ride, if there is a ferry, or a boat and motor if there isn’t. And some islands have private marinas that can cost as much to buy into as a lot did a few years ago.

If you can’t afford the already-built $1-million lakeside or oceanside retreat, buying raw land may be your only alternative. But take out a pencil and paper, and a chequebook, because the costs to build can add up.

First, without a plan to build immediately, and a building contract in place, financing is going to be harder to get, Dahlen said. And that translates into a higher-cost mortgage and a larger down payment.

Susan McGougan, a realtor with Remax of Nanaimo, has sold recreational properties on nearby islands, many of which don’t have public water or sewage. So drilling a well and adding a septic field are two immediate expenses to add to the bottom line. And if the island isn’t ferry-accessible, all materials, including the trucks to haul the material, will have to be barged in, the cost of which can add up, she said.

But most people on those islands love the remoteness and the limited access makes the cabin that much more enjoyable, McGougan said.

Jim Doyle, a senior financial consultant with Investors Group, says insurance may be hard to get for some recreational properties.

“Vacant possession sends up alarm bells with a lot of insurance carriers,” Doyle said.

And a piece of raw land with a trailer on it many not be insurable at all, he added.

Doyle advises his clients that even if the bank says yes to the financing, make sure they have some breathing room to adapt to changes in their circumstances. Because if they need to suddenly sell the cabin in the middle of winter, people may not be lining up to buy it, he said.

None of these cost concerns scared off Danny Ransom, who bought a cabin near Princeton five years ago. Ransom chose to remortgage his house to pay for the property outright, back in the days when prices were still affordable and banks were still reticent about providing financing.

But he bought a no-hassle property — the cabin was fairly new, it was accessible by road so he didn’t have to worry about ferry lineups, and it was near a town so it had all the amenities. The only big expense was putting in baseboard heating so he could keep the cabin heated all winter rather than risking the pipes freezing up, he said.

But now, with prices out of many people’s reach, certified financial planner Anthony Windeyer with Coast Capital Savings suggests renting out the property when you aren’t using it. That way you can write off a percentage of the interest and have some added capital to pay off the mortgage.

Many areas, like the ones McGougan sells in, don’t allow short-term rentals. And those that do may have special licensing requirements that need to be considered.

But if you are investing a huge chunk of change in a recreational property, Windeyer recommends you at least look into the possibility of renting.

“Because otherwise you would have to be exceedingly well-heeled to have that capital sitting and doing nothing for you,” Windeyer said.

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

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Convention centre has history on its side

Friday, June 8th, 2007

Norman Stowe
Sun

On July 4, our Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre will be 20 years old.

As part of the original management team that helped launch and market the existing centre, I know how much work needs to be done to make sure the expansion meets its potential.

When we opened the convention centre in 1987, we brought in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, had dinner for 2,000 guests, and recreated Stanley Park, complete with miniature train, and a country fair with a full-size Ferris wheel, all to show the size and capacity of this latest addition to our waterfront. That creative approach to marketing, and the sales program that followed, attracted the attention of meeting planners at home and abroad.

So, am I optimistic about the success of the expansion? You bet. In fact, with more good reason today than when we opened the original two decades ago. You see, a lot has happened over the years to make Vancouver one of the world’s great destinations.

For instance, when we opened in 1987, our biggest job was telling the world about Vancouver. At the time we were not a convention destination, and Tourism Vancouver was not the organization it is today. In fact, very few meeting planners had even heard of us and even fewer thought we could hold a major convention. The biggest room in town was at the Hyatt Hotel, so major meetings weren’t exactly beating a path to our door, the way they do now.

When we did our first research in those early days, Vancouver and Victoria had the same name recognition among major meeting and convention planners, mostly because Vancouver wasn’t seen as a convention or conference city.

Today, all of that has changed. Vancouver is among the world’s top destinations for national and international meeting planners, and the size and scope of the expansion has been given thumbs up by the customers who marvel at its waterfront setting and have been part of its overall planning, ensuring it meets their needs.

At the same time, the argument about who markets the centre is also an old one, something that has been going on for nearly all of the past 20 years. Having Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre both going at it hasn’t hurt. But with the new expansion, it makes a lot more sense to have it marketed by the convention centre, the people who are going to run it and be accountable for its success. That should cut down any confusion among meeting and convention planners.

Having been there at the beginning, and heard some of the same concerns and doubts then that we’re hearing today, I think history has shown that there’s every reason to believe the expansion will be as effective, popular and lucrative for British Columbia as the original.

Is there work to do? Absolutely. So, let’s get on with it.

Norman Stowe is managing partner of the Pace Group, a Vancouver public relations firm.

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

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Home sellers have one shot at a good first impression

Thursday, June 7th, 2007

Make sure your house is a perfect 10 before the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up. A little effort can help ensure the best price in the shortest amount of time.

Sun

When selling a home make sure it looks bright and inviting.

If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, you need to do everything you can to make sure it’s a perfect “10” before the “For Sale” sign goes up!

Today’s homebuyers are busy people, who are rarely interested in spending the time or money to carry out major repairs or improvements when they move in. To help you get the best price and sell your home as fast as possible, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of tips on how you can get your house ready to sell:

First, stop thinking of your house as the home you love, and start thinking about it as a product that’s about to enter a highly competitive market. Prospective homebuyers aren’t looking to buy your home; they’re looking for a place they can call their own. So take a long, objective look at your home’s strengths and flaws, and identify any areas where a little effort or elbow grease could make a big difference.

A good place to start is with your home’s curb appeal. The curb is where buyers make their first impressions, so make sure the impression they get is a good one. Remove any clutter in your yard. Repair cracked or uneven driveways and walkways. Make sure your lawn and flowerbeds are well tended. And ensure your windows, walls and doors are clean and freshly painted.

Next, check the roof, chimney and exterior walls. If any repairs are required, carry them out yourself, or hire a qualified contractor to do the work for you.

Inside, make sure potential buyers are greeted with a clean, clutter-free and well-lit interior, preferably with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim. Eliminate any unpleasant odours, and make sure all the lights are turned on and that all doors and windows open and shut properly.

Thoroughly clean all appliances, sinks, tubs and toilets, and give all your fixtures a good shine. Repair any leaks or drips, and clean the cabinets, mirrors, switch plates and cupboard handles.

Keep furniture and family memorabilia to a minimum to help people imagine their own belongings in the space and ensure an easy flow of traffic .

Make sure your foundation and basement are structurally sound, and free of cracks or water seepage. If you use the basement as a catch-all for storage, try to clear it of as much clutter as possible, or at least organize your things as well as you can.

In the garage, carport or shed, get rid of any broken or useless items. If there are any oil stains on the floor, remove them with a strong cleaning solution.

Last but not least, if you have an agent, then the single best thing you can do to help make the sale is to leave when the home is being shown. This will help prospective buyers imagine the house as their new home – not yours!

For more information or a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Getting Your House Ready to Sell, or other fact sheets on buying, maintaining or renovating your home, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit our Website at www.cmhc.ca.

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

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Pick up takeout or get it delivered

Thursday, June 7th, 2007

Here in the Lower Mainland, we love to eat out, but that doesn’t always mean linen tableclothes and fine flatware. This week’s listings pay special tribute to restaurants that offer food to be enjoyed on the go

Sun

Owner Lalit Sharma (left ) and Kiran Sharma display some Indian dishes at Mumbai Masala restaurant, which offers delivery for orders of $20 and more. 138 West 16th St., North Vancouver, 604-984-8888. Photograph by : Mark van Manen, Vancouver Sun

Victor Bouzide (left) and Jeramy Duckworth of Nuba restaurant, which sells felafel and Middle Eastern dishes to go. Locations at 322 West Hastings St., 604-688-1655 and 1206 Seymour St., 778-371-3266. Photograph by : Ian Lindsay, Vancouver Sun

House of Dosa chef Param Shnam (left) and owner Raja Kumar Muttavanchery with a specialty dosa, their house special. Takeout available from the restaurant at 1391 Kingsway, Vancouver, 604-875-1283. Photograph by : Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun

CHINESE

B.B.Q. Master Tiny, jam-packed, eat-in or takeout. Immense portions barbecued duck, pork, soy chicken and other goodies. (Under the Superstore.) No. 3 Road, Richmond, 604-272-6568.

Hawker’s Delight Humble Malaysian and Singaporean street food, dirt cheap. 4127 Main St., 604-709-8188.

Hon’s Venues vary in appearance (Robson location is the best). A huge menu on offer. 1339 Robson, 604-685-0871; 268 Keefer Street, 604-688-0871; 101 – 4600 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-273-0871; 3025 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam, 604-468-0871.

New Hong Kong Kitchen Nothing fancy, but the couple who run it offer very good value Cantonese and Northern Chinese food. Free delivery to West End and Kitsilano. 917 Davie St., 604-688-6868.

New Town Bakery & Restaurant Bustling Chinatown destination. Great array of filled steamed buns as well as other savouries and baked goods. Famous for the apple tart. 158 East Pender St., 604-681-1828.

Toko Noodles are the specialty but much, much more. Free delivery ($20 or more) within 3 km., 10 per cent of total beyond that. 223 West Seventh Ave., 604-879-0701.

VIP’s Kitchen Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, cooked in open kitchen. Free delivery in West Vancouver. 1487 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-1811.

Xian Cuisine So it’s a food court but you can’t beat watching a noodle maestro making your noodles right there. Richmond Public Market Food Court, 8260 Westminster Hwy.

YoPo Cafe A tome of a menu; nothing outstanding but it’s dependable fare. Free delivery downtown between 6 and 9 p.m. for orders of $20 or more. 1122 Homer Street, 604-609-9676.

INDIAN

Annapurna Longstanding vegetarian Indian restaurant. Free delivery in the neighbourhood. 1812 West Fourth Ave., 604-736-5959.

Handi Cuisine of India The only Indian restaurant with a fantastic rooftop ocean view. Specialties are tandoori dishes. Free delivery in West Vancouver. 1340 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-5262.

House of Dosa Stick to the expertly cooked dosas here. 1391 Kingsway, 604-875-1283.

Mumbai Masala Lovely food, including food from the tandoor. Delivery for orders of $20 and more. 138 West 16th St., North Vancouver, 604-984-8888.

Noor Mahal Dosas are the specialty. The new addition to the Indian menu are some Singaporean dishes. Free delivery within 15 km. 4354 Fraser, 604-873-9263.

Palki Delicious food, especially the butter chicken and naan. Free delivery within 2 km. 116 East 15th St., North Vancouver, 604-986-7555.

JAPANESE

Ajisai Sushi Bar Sushi and other dishes, cooked with flair. A hidden jewel. 2981 West 42nd Ave., 604-266-1428.

Bliss Asian Bistro Some izakaya, some sushi, and some detours to Korea. A sometimes over-inventive mind in the kitchen. 550 Denman St., 604-662-3044.

Fujiya All pre-made but you’ll find bento and deli goodies that you won’t see anywhere else. Pender Street is the smallest store. 912 Clark Drive, 604-251-3711; 1050 West Pender, 604-608-1050; 3086 St. Edwards Dr., Richmond, 604-270-3715.

Kadoya Japanese Restaurant Eat in or take out. Sushi, rice and noodle bowls, lots of special rolls. Can be a mad-house. 1063 Davie St., 604-608-1115.

Miko Even a sushi snob will find their bliss and it doesn’t stop at sushi. 1335 Robson St., 604-681-0339.

Shiro A standard Japanese restaurant, but one thing of note — they use fresh grated wasabi. 3096 Cambie Street, 604-874-002.

SushiBoy Nothing impressive, but the place is geared for fast turnover and takeout sushi. 409 West Broadway, 604-879-5236.

Nobu Japanese Sushi Some tables, lots of takeout and the sushi won’t disappoint. 3197 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, 604-988-4553.

Opera Sushi Listen to opera, peruse the opera record sleeves on the wall while waiting for your sushi takeout. An oddity: black rice sushi. 1640 West Broadway, 604-737-1030.

Toshi A phone-ahead and takeout might save you the regular line-ups into this tiny tucked-away spot. Quality ingredients. 181 East 16th Ave., 604-874-5173.

Toyotomi Japanese Restaurant Big on special rolls but offers a complete roster of Japanese dishes. 4121 E. Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-676-1506.

Zipang Run by a young Japanese couple. Some inventive sushi as well as donburi and other dishes. Free delivery Broadway to 49th/Granville to Victoria Dr. for minimum $15 order. 3710 Main St., 604-708-1667.

VIETNAMESE/CAMBODIAN

Lan’s Restaurant Familiar Vietnamese fare — brochettes, spring rolls, pho. Free delivery within 5 km. for $20 or more orders. 1481 West Broadway, 604-738-2338.

Paradise Vietnamese Cuisine The owner is a meditation guru, the food is vegetarian, the place is tranquil. 8681-10th Ave., Burnaby, 604-527-8138.

Phnom Penh The Cambodian/Vietnamese food is the best in town. Try the butter beef, and “grandmother’s deep-fried calamari” with lemon pepper sauce. 244 East Georgia St., 604 682-5777.

THAI

Green Basil Standard The owner recommends coconut curry chicken. Free delivery within 5 km. 4623 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-439-1919.

Krua Thai Restaurant Colourful and lively joint, decked out in blue, yellow and red. Swimming rama (chicken with spinach and spicy peanut sauce) and chicken cashew are oft-requested. 1445 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-990-9349.

Montri One of the best Thai places and they do takeout. 3629 West Broadway, 604-738-9888.

O Thai Cuisine Restaurant Thai food with a modern twist — duck with tamarind sauce (ped lad prig) and steamed Thai dumplings are popular. 1626 West Broadway, 604-731-4888.

Simply Thai They don’t like to advertise it, but yes, they’ll do take out. High-end fare. 1171 Hamilton St., 604-642-0123.

Thai Away Home These outlets are designed more for takeout than eating in. Predominantly curries. The Cambie location does deliveries thanks to the Canada Line construction. 3315 Cambie St., 604-873-8424; 1206 Davie St., 604-253-8424; 43 East Fifth Ave., 604-781-8424.

Thai House Straight-ahead Thai food, no surprises. Delivery within 5 km. 1116 Robson Street, 604-683-3383; 1766 West Seventh Ave, 604-737-0088; 180 W. Esplanade, North Vancouver, 604-987-9911; 4940 No. 3 Road, Richmond, 604-278-7373; 4600 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-438-2288.

Urban Thai An offshoot of Thai House. It’s their upscale Yaletown spot. Shrimp cakes and coconut red curry are frequent requests. Free delivery within 5 km. 1119 Hamilton St., 604-408-7788.

NEPALESE

Cafe Kathmandu What’s Nepalese cuisine? A little bit Chinese, Indian and Tibetan. Try the goat curry or bhaatmas (toasted soybeans with ginger, garlic, chili). 2779 Commercial Dr., 604-879-9909.

KOREAN

Jang Mo Jib Ever-popular and ever-expanding into the suburbs, this is a favourite for spicy, casual Korean food. 1719 Robson, 604-642-0712; 395 Kingsway, 604-874-0712; 8320 Alexandra Street, Richmond, 604-233-0712.

Kimbo and Ramyun Popular with Asian language students; fast, casual fare. 423 Seymour St., 604-685-2877.

INDONESIAN

Sate Satu A modern take on Indonesian cuisine, particularly satays. And since they’re on torn-asunder Cambie, they deliver. 3488 Cambie St., 604-709-8150.

Spice Islands Family-run. A good handle on blending spices. 3592 West 41st Ave., 604-266-7355.

MALAYSIAN

Banana Leaf The three locations attest to its popularity. Rich flavours, fresh ingredients. 820 West Broadway, 604-731-6333; 1096 Denman St., 604-683-3333; 3005 Broadway West, 604-734-3005.

Orchid Delight Casual, friendly spot; tasty dishes. 2445 Burrard Street, 604-731-0221.

Cafe D’Lite Street hawker style food from Malaysia and Singapore. 3144 West Broadway, 604-733-8882.

Penang Szechuan Heavy demand on the crispy orange beef, Kung pao calamari and sambal string beans. Free delivery within 5 km. 33370 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, 604-557-9857; 15338 Russell Ave., White Rock, 604-538-1700.

Tamarind Hill Malaysian Cuisine Delicious food. Known for the papaya mango salad, spring roll calamari and roti canai with curry dip. Free delivery in neighbourhood. 628 6th Ave., New Westminster, 604-526-3000.

FILIPINO

Goldilocks A bustling enterprise of a huge array of Filipino food and baking. The big caramel-slathered rice balls for under $2 are yummy! 1606 West Broadway, 604-736-7744.

MEXICAN

Burrito Brothers Fast track to burritos, tacos, quesadillas and… Mexican poutine! 2209 West First Ave., 604-736-8222.

Budgies Burritos Quintessential hole-in-the-wall. Log-sized burritos for about $6. 44 Kingsway, 604 874-5408.

Dona Cato Lots of press, lots of people wanting tacos, quesadillas, burritos and combination plates. Cheap and cheerful. 5438 Victoria Dr., 604-436-2232.

Cilantro & Jalapeno Gourmet Mexican Foods Burritos, quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas and other dishes, nicely handled. 736 West Broadway, 604-872-7161.

La Mexicana Gourmet Foods Fresh ingredients — burritos, enchiladas, tacos, tamales. 1083 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, 604-986-1327.

Taco Shack Tacos , burritos and quesadillas. Daved Benefield and Noah Cantor, both former football players, are the reason for the football thematics. 3143 West Broadway, 604-737-8227; 1937 Cornwall St., 604-736-8226.

La Salsa Mexican Deli A store and a Mexican deli. The burritos are delish as is the guacamole. 4140 Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-299-6485.

El Taco Love the jackpot of veggies in the dishes here. Massive burritos. Fresh. 738 Davie St., 604-806-0300.

Ponchos Old-style Mexican restaurant with red-checked tablecloths. Pork with chipotle, steak with enchilada, burritos. Free delivery within downtown area. 827 Denman St, 604-683-7236.

SOUTHWEST

Delicado’s Enchiladas, roll-ups and an array of salads. 510 West Hastings, 604-682-7071.

GREEK

Apollonia Solid Greek fare. Free delivery within neighbourhood. 1830 Fir St., 604-736-9559.

Parthenon Store with a large hot deli section — lamb, chicken, casseroles, side dishes. The works. Cheap. 3080 West Broadway, 604-733-4191.

Minerva Another store with hot deli section. The pastitsio is wonderful. 3207 West Broadway, 604-733-3956.

FRENCH

Provence Marinaside Order takeout off the gourmet Provencal/Italian menu or order at the antipasto bar. 1177 Marinaside Crescent, 604-681-4144.

ITALIAN

Epicurean Deli Modern, for-real Italian caffe. Deli case holds regional pastas, as well as other famiglia specials. 898 West First Ave., 604-731-5370.

La Grotta del Formaggio Open wide for the mouthy panini constructed at the deli counter. 1791 Commercial Dr., 604-255-3911.

La Cucina del Diavolo Italian panini, soups, and don’t miss the delicious signature tarts. 1701 Powell St., 604-677-1119.

Incendio This, the first Incendio, still has the most character. Wood-burning oven, thin-crust pizza. 103 Columbia St, 604-688-8694.

Nat’s New York Pizza Order the Fifth Avenue with spinach, tomato, feta is the best seller. Free delivery in neighbourhood. 2684 West Broadway, 604-737-0707; 1080 Denman St., 604-642-0777.

Simpatico Italian and Greek food. Pizza, pasta, roast lamb, souvlaki, and the rest. Free delivery for orders $50 and up. 2222 West Fourth Ave., 604-733-6824.

Raviolini Gourmet Pasta And Foods The pasta is ready for a 10-minute cook, once you’re home. Pastas, sauces, empanadas, and the ricois, a frying pasta, is worth a try. 2822 West Fourth Ave., 604-736-0772.

Sciue Great panini, pizzas, pasta, fish dishes. Chic and busy downtown spot. 800 West Pender St., 604-602-7263.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Mostly organic pizzas made in wood-burning oven. Deliveries through Gowaiters (604-438-4000) at $4.95 per delivery. 1876 West First Ave., 604-730-0321.

Marcello’s Thin-crust pizzas emerge from the Sungod wood-burning oven. Pick up or eat in. 1404 Commercial Dr., 604-215-7760.

IRANIAN

Arian Plates will be heaped with food — lamb shanks with lima beans, eggplant tomato beef stew, kebabs, stews and other home-style dishes. 1412 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-922-9599.

Yaas Bakery Store, deli and bakery. 1860 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, 604-990-9006.

MIDDLE EAST

Nuba Felafel and other Middle Eastern dishes to go. 322 West Hastings St., 604-688-1655; 1206 Seymour St., 778-371-3266.

Victoria Park Cafe Delicious, inexpensive Palestinian food (like mjuardarak which is roasted eggplant with olive oil and garlic). Entree dishes, for $12, offer excellent value. 1904 Grant St., 604-875-8515.

EASTERN EUROPEAN

Acacia Filo Bar The specialty is banitzil, a Bulgarian filo pie with various fillings. Tripe soup, if you wish, too! 1103 Denman St., 604-633-3884.

Bernie’s Balkan Kitchen Robust homestyle cooing — homemade bread, cabbage rolls, beef stroganoff, pork and lamb roasts on weekends. 7340 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-526-6580.

Budapest Hungarian food, from cabbage rolls and schnitzels to duck and tremes, one of their fancy pastries. 3250 Main St., 604-877-1949.

European Breads and Bakery Panini made with their lovely Georgian baguette, Georgian cheese pie, pyrogies, borscht, Napolean cake. 4324 Fraser St., 604-879-5177.

Red Square All manner of Russian and Eastern European foods with health bent. 8626 Joffre Ave., Burnaby, 604-451-0606.

Transylvania Flavour Restaurant Transylvanian (Romanian to you) cabbage rolls, potato salad, schnitzels, sausages, and for the adventurous — tripe soup. 2120 West Broadway, 604-730-0880.

NORTH AMERICAN

Cardero’s Seafood and meat dishes. Known for the wok fried squid. 1583 Coal Harbor Quay, 604-669-7666.

The Butler Did It Catering Comfort foods, salads, soups, panini. 340 West Second Ave., 604-739-3663.

Emelle’s Catering Burgers, entrees and daily specials, like kamut soba noodles with Szechuan dressing and sweet and sour chicken. 177 West Seventh Ave., 604-875-6551.

Memphis Blues BBQ House All of the juicy meats, slow-cooked in the pit barbecue are takeoutable. The Memphis Feast with ‘the works’ feeds three to four. 1342 Commercial Drive, 604-215-2599; 1465 West Broadway, 604-738-6806; 1629 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-929-3699.

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts A changing roster of light meals like salmon and chicken entrees, salads and a visual feast of French pastries. 1505 West Second Ave., 604-734-4488.

Tomahawk All the big-bruiser breakfast dishes and burgers can be ordered to go. 1550 Philip Ave., North Vancouver, 604-988-2612.

The Windjammer The fish and chips fly out the door. Pastas, seafood, entrees also available. 3079 Main St., 604-876-6646.

VEGETARIAN

East is East “Eastern Plates” with flavours of the Silk Road. Healthy, following ayurvedic principles. 4413 Main St., 604-879-2020.

SEAFOOD

Finest at Sea A deli case with ready-to-heat foods as well as cafe counter with entrees and fish and chips. Excellent quality. 4675 Arbutus St., 604-266-1904.

Go Fish A fish shack, yes. Mediocre food? No! Great fresh grilled fish, tacos, po’ boys, fish and chips. 1504 West First Ave., 604-730-5040.

Screaming Mimi’s Seafood And Steamer Steamer crab, lobster, oyster or mussels to take home as well as other seafood entrees. Lonsdale Quay, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, 604-987-3466.

BITS ‘N’ BITES

Brioche Vibrant Italian food with a West Coast assist and lots of temptations in the dessert case. 401 West Cordova St., 604-682-4037.

Burgoo Stews and soups from around the world; salad additions in summer. 4434 West 10th Ave., 604 221-7839; 3 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-904-0933.

Capers Community Markets Appetizers, salads, soups, main dishes; all healthy and organic where possible. 2496 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, 604-925-3316; 2285 West Fourth Ave., 604-739-6676; 1675 Robson Street, 604-687-5288; 3277 Cambie Street, 604-909-2988.

Chef Claire Swish meals — osso bucco, pulled pork, Thai chicken curry, Moroccan braised chicken, beef bourguignon. 3610 Main St., 604-875-6400.

Gallery Cafe and Catering Great value — quiches, entrees, salads, panini. The gorgeous patio might change your mind about takeout. Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St., 604-688-2233.

Hot Cuisine Gourmet take-away as well as sandwiches and wraps. Watch for the killer brownies. 2083 Alma St., 604-267-1132.

Les Amis du Fromage It’s frozen and you’ll need a microwave for an ASAP meal. Meals from mac and cheese to beef bourguignon. 518-2002 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, 604-925-4218; 752 Second Ave., West Vancouver, 604-732-4218.

Noodle Box Noodle and rice dishes from Asian countries in old-style Chinese takeout cartons. 1867 West Fourth Ave., 604-734-1310.

Pan-O-Pan High-end take-away. Duck confit, braised lamb shanks, beautiful choice of gnocchi, hors d’oeuvres. 235 East Broadway, 604-879-9146.

Meinhardt’s Along with gourmet grocery products, the deli counter offers a wide range of lunch and dinner possibilities. 3002 Granville Street, 604-732-4405.

Quince A fine food takeout. Includes cinnamon roasted duck breast, seared Sooke trout, Dungeness crab samosas. 1780 West Third Ave., 604-731-4645.

Red Door Pan Asian Grill Pan-Asian menu. Phone ahead and staff will deliver to takeout stalls in parking area. 2996 Granville St., 604-733-5699.

Upstarts Deli And Greengrocer Deli counter features salads, comfort foods, panini. Selections change. 1990- 152nd St., White Rock, 604-535-0023.

Urban Fare A long hot and cold food deli section includes carvery, seafood, salads, international dishes. 177 Davie St., 604-974-7550.

Whole Foods Market Incredible selection of prepared foods from from soup to nuts. Mostly organic. Village at Park Royal, 925 Main Street, West Vancouver, 604-678-0500.

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Indian

Thursday, June 7th, 2007

Mia Stainsby
Sun

Most popular dishes: Tikka chicken (above, left), butter chicken (centre), lamb and chicken kebabs (right). Photograph by : Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun

DEEPAK AND ALKA SURI

Owners, Tandoori Delight

(Interview with Deepak)

– – –

I was a banker in New Delhi but my major role was as a broadcaster. I had a cable TV network, like Rogers here. I sold that when I came to Canada in 2002. I was part owner of Radio India broadcasting here and had a talk show, Bollywood Masala, mostly about the inner self and inner powers.

My wife was a stay-at-home mom, a simple person with vast knowledge and when she wanted to do something, I felt like supporting her totally. Relationships are the most important thing in the life of any person. I feel that if you can prove to the world or yourself of your success with the closest person to you, then you can win the whole world.

We have been married 22 years and she supported what I did for 19 years. I wanted to make the point that a housewife is worth millions. I call her Annapurna, the goddess of food.

What brought you to Canada?

We were very well settled in Delhi. I was doing very well with connections everywhere. But with two brothers and my parents here, I was the only one left there.

We heard from them that it was peaceful and the education system basically attracted us most. My older daughter is in criminology. My second daughter is in Grade 12 and wants to be a dentist. My son is in Grade 8 and is a computer genius.

My home is Canada. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen here. There are so many ethnic people here, so much exposure to meet, talk and be with so many cultures, religions and people with different experiences. It’s a very good thing for any business organization to keep in mind whenever, whatever product you are dealing with, to keep this in mind.

Who does what in the business?

Basically our menu was created by me and my wife. We created variations. For our wraps, instead of using naan, we found a tortilla which was the best match.

What’s next?

We want bigger facilities and open more retail and maybe franchise. At that stage, we hope to sell to places like Save On Foods, Costco and maybe start a frozen line. We have visitors from Seattle, Victoria, Las Vegas and Dallas wanting franchises. I have business cards from so many places.

– – –

TANDOORI DELIGHT

6692 Main St., Unit 205, Vancouver, 604-324-1212; and 7630 Sixth St. (at 14th Avenue), Burnaby, 604-777-8004.

Predominantly takeout with lots of choices. Excellent value for tasty kebabs, tandoori dishes, curries, and wraps, all under $10.

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French

Thursday, June 7th, 2007

Mia Stainsby
Sun

JOANNE FACCHIN (with husband Didier) Chef/Owner: Coco Et Olive

Most popular dish: Rustic savoury roasted tomato and goat cheese galette.

In the early 1980s, while living in Vancouver, I looked at all the cooking schools in North America and even asked Gourmet magazine about which cooking school to go to. The one that sounded most interesting was La Varenne in Paris.

After a year at La Varenne, I took a job as a private chef for the Australian ambassador and I did some stages (work experience) in one and two-Michelin star restaurants. If anyone asks me whether to go to cooking school or travel and work in restaurants, I’d say work in restaurants. You get right in there and rub elbows.

I’ve had to do the same task three days in a row — deboning frogs legs, buckets of them. It’s very hands-on. Schools are good for theory.

When I was working in France, I was frequently the only female in the kitchen and I wasn’t taken seriously. I’d studied, worked 16 hours a day and they still treated me as if I didn’t count. At the same time, the structure and hierarchy of a French kitchen is fabulous. There’s a pecking order; everyone understands it, respects it and it runs smoothly.

How did you meet your husband?

My husband and I lived in the same neighbourhood, the 16th [arrondissement]. I was an au pair, supporting myself through school a few evenings a week. Didier [Facchin] and I bumped into each other in the street, literally. I said, “Excuse me” in English or bad French, I can’t remember. He said, “You’re not French.” We got chatting and it led to a hot romance. I was 26. He was 23 and working as an aeronautics engineer.

We spent some time in Paris then came back here. I was a food stylist and still do that. I started a cottage industry making vinegars and salad dressings and Didier took over the sales, and voila! He was in the distribution business, importing and adding on other products.

Didier didn’t want to go through engineering schooling again. He was happy to be here. We made it up as we went along. It was three, four years before we could sit down for a serious conversation. We didn’t know each other as profoundly as we would have if we spoke the same language.

We now have two daughters, 15 and 18. Here, Didier feels like he’s always on vacation, it’s so much simpler. He grew up in Paris and it’s an intense lifestyle. He loves it here, but he misses the French gab. They love to get together and talk about politics.

His French family values are different from mine. He’s a fantastic father but quite strict and expects to be the king of the castle. I’m a hard-working female, very liberated and, within that framework, he isn’t the head of the table. There are three females versus him in our family.

What led to Coco Et Olive?

We found this location to amalgamate the distribution business and it came with a storefront. We put in a little grocery store and cafe. The distribution business had been taking over our lives.

Didier was always in the car, travelling farther and farther and spending more time away from home. Now he manages the show. He’s the barista and takes care of the grocery end. I do the food. I love cooking and I can’t get it out of my system. It’s pleasurable.

What’s dinner like at home?

We sit down for a dinner every night, no matter what. We sit down for a full dinner and discuss.

Didier doesn’t do much cooking at home but one of my daughters cooks all the time. Both my daughters are realizing the food culture in their family now that they’re eating at other people’s homes and in restaurants. It’s like, “Ohhh, mom, thanks for doing all that cooking for all those years!”

– – –

COCO ET OLIVE

3476 West Broadway, 604-736-7080.

A charming, French country-style interior with old wood floors and French cafe-style food — savoury tarts and galettes, soups, salads, a delicious tapenade, cheese plates, several hummus dishes and sandwiches on flat, crusty Georgian baguette and a tempting array of baking. You can call ahead for takeout or eat at one of the tables.

Most popular dish: Rustic savoury roasted tomato and goat cheese galette (right). It feeds about eight people.

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Vietnamese & Thai

Thursday, June 7th, 2007

Mia Stainsby
Sun

Plate of food Photograph by : Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun

VICTORIA TRAN

Owner, Chef

Mekong Vietnamese and Thai Cuisine

– – –

In Vietnam, my father had a fabric business. The government took away our business and house. They left us a few savings but took the rest away. They thought we had more and they had guards at our house.

Our background is Chinese. Our name was originally Chan. We were discriminated [against] so we changed it. My Dad realized we couldn’t survive there. We were registered as Chinese immigrants so we could leave. We were lucky that way.

My mom and dad and 11 brothers and sisters left Vietnam in 1980. There were 750 other refugees in a boat built for 350. Lots of people bribed to get on the boat. We were very tight. We cannot lay down. We were stacked. We spent one week in the open sea and the people with the boat didn’t know what they were doing. We were floating along. It was terrifying.

People were sick. There was no food for a week. We boiled water that was so dirty we could see things swimming in it. A government fishing boat came up and robbed what we had brought. They demanded everything. But they gave us water and told us what direction to go.

We landed in Malaysia but they turned us away because the boat was still floating. We had to sink the boat and then they rescued us and took us as refugees for a year and one month. UNICEF was really nice and gave us food and clothing. Very nice people, sponsored by the Canadian government. I was 12.

We applied to come [to Canada. The government] put us down as farmers because we raised some animals and so they sent us to Regina.

My father opened a restaurant. I was there to 1988 and then moved to Vancouver. I came for a vacation and loved the weather, the sea, the mountains. I love everything here. Freedom. The country. The people. You have a chance to grow if you work hard. As long as you want to learn, you can learn.

How has your past influenced you?

I give back to the community. Before I cooked food to take to the church to help them give food to the homeless. Now they have a kitchen so I give them supplies of rice, potatoes, meat. Every week, I deliver to them.

To tell you the truth, I don’t know what religion the church is. It doesn’t matter, as long as I’m helping people. I buy food from grocery stores and drive around and give food to the homeless. When I see them without family, without food, without a home… I’m going to cry right now.

Where did such compassion come from?

I guess my dad. He touched my heart. He taught me how to love people, feed people. He always gave us food and told us about people who don’t have. When we were on the island [in Malaysia], I was starving myself. Even a little bread gave us so much joy. Just a little rice on coconut shell. It was so good.

Where is your family now?

My dad died not long ago. He did everything. My mom’s very lonely. My dad did everything. She cannot cook or anything else. She was the most lucky woman.

My brothers and sisters have restaurants in Regina, about seven of them. They are all giving back. Maybe not to the homeless but they give money to the [Buddhist] temple which gives money to the poor in Vietnam, the ones who are rejected because of illness. I do that as well. And I give money to help them with the flood. Vietnam always has floods.

What does your restaurant mean to you?

I love to cook. I love to try new things. I oversee everything. I prepare all the sauces because of consistency. I learned to cook from my father and from cookbooks.

My passion is from my Dad. My family would gather and laugh and talk and it makes things taste better. We had a very happy family and every time families come into my restaurant, my heart come up with joy.

– – –

MEKONG VIETNAMESE AND THAI CUISINE

1414 Commercial Dr., 604-253-7088.

Take out or eat in.

Tran’s father taught her how to cook Vietnamese dishes such as pho and curries, and her uncle taught her Thai specialties such as Tom Kah Coconut soup and Pad Thai.

Most popular dish: Mekong Special Sizzling Plate (above) which comes to the table on a sizzling hot cast-iron platter.

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Archive for June, 2007

Convention centre has history on its side

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

Pick up takeout or get it delivered

Here in the Lower Mainland, we love to eat out, but that doesn’t always mean linen tableclothes and fine flatware. This week’s listings pay special tribute to restaurants that offer food to be enjoyed on the go

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

Indian

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

French

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

Vietnamese & Thai

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

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