Lime Restaurant (web site, 1130 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-215-1130) has a unique concept – combine modern Japanese cooking with live music provided by local artists. This is definitely a place worth visiting. Check out their web site for the music schedule as well as some great photos of their chefs and menu selections.

Wild Ginger Restaurant (web site, 604.893.8608, 2015 – 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC) is a spacious, 120 seat restaurant hidden away behind the Tinseltown Mall food court, on the second level of the mall below the movie theatres. The Asian Pacific post writes:

“Tantalizing fusion cuisine mixes local flavours with those of the Far East. Fun dishes to try include Kung Pao Power, Sticky Ribs, Mayo Mayo, and Spring Blossom Rolls.”

The menu features a selection of Chinese and Korean fusion dishes, as well as cook-at-your table Korean barbecue. Visit at lunch time for the best deals: a large entree with soup and salad goes for approximately $6.99. At dinner time the average entree price is around $16.00. Pictured below is the “Happy Family” entree ($16.99), which is a tasty mix of choice seafood, meat, and vegetables stir-fried and served in a sweet ginger and garlic sauce.

Milestones (more info, 1109 Hamilton Street, 604-684-9111) is a trendy chain restaurant which offers a selection of westcoast and American cuisine. The downtown Vancouver Yaletown location has been recently renovated in a post-modern/minimalist style with exposed wooden ceiling beams, halogen spot lighting, comfortable cushion booth seating, a brand new sound system and wide screen televisions. Price for entrees lies in the $15 to 20 range, and the restaurant also has an extensive drink menu. Service is generally excellent: the staff are personable and attentive. I ordered the Portobello Mushroom Chicken which was an inventive dish (pictured below, $16.95) that featured chopped portobello mushrooms with chicken cooked in olive oil served over a capellini pasta.