do you live anywhere near vancouver?

if so, you need to check out this restaurant.  as we all know, food is one of the most exciting parts of any day for me.  i go to sleep at night thinking on what i will wake up and eat... for real.  i am one serious foodie, and since being diagnosed with celiac disease 4 years ago i've completely re-learned how to cook, so whatever i feel like eating, i make in my kitchen.  this has definitely raised my standards for eating out - it has to be very good in order for me not to take mental notes and come home determined to recreate it - usually with a bit of a twist that i think will make it even better.  this place knocked my socks off, and i won't even attempt to one-up it with my own skills.  maenam. west 4th ave. vancouver.

not to mention the great setting, i felt a little cooler than i really am and a little more city folk than anyone would believe ;)  we ate steamed mussels with lemongrass & thai basil, pan-friend fish with sweet sauce on top, squid salad, vegetable curry, pad thai, and coconut ice over lychee and longang for dessert.  it was decadent.  i have yet to stop thinking about this meal and can make myself believe i'm hungry just thinking about it! 

they have cooked for many-a-celiac, were totally versed in how to avoid contamination, and were quick to let us know what on the menu was do-able and what wasn't.  the food was great, the atmosphere was upbeat and a little bit swanky, and i can't wait to go back! 

mmm... mussels.  but beware of those red peppers, they are hot as heck! 

hope you're having a great tuesday!  i'm off for a run to make sure i can continue being a foodie ;)