The Province from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada • 121

Friday, July 15, 1994 Province Pre View B37 zr Diet so-well-kept secret Waazubee Cafe's menu is quite overwhelming it "How long has this place been here without our discovering it?" we wondered aloud, when we impulsively decided to pay a first visit to the Waazubee Cafe. It's not like the restaurant is a secret: A former relative of mine (a term of endearment I reserve for my first husband, Simon) has been touting the cafe to us for ages. In fact, Simon and I long ago decided we couldn't go to review the place together because they know him so well as a regular customer that wed receive special treatment" and that just wouldn't do. Instead, I attended with my favorite dining companion, best friend and accomplice John, and we entered quite unnoticed, disguised as "complete unknowns." We were greeted casually (but warmly) by one perky, curly-haired waitress who seated us front and centre. I asked meekly if they take ANNE GARBER Dining versions, sided with a big dollop of garlic mayo, for only $2.95.

John went to peruse the beer and wine choices and returned to pronounce them "excellent" and announce that their vast offerings included "Beck's Beer, reasonably priced at $3.75 and Sleeman's Lager ($3.50) it's by far Ontario's best small brewery beer." They also carry such diverse beverages as pear cider ($3.50) and Olde English cider Boy, did we eat well for cheap! 1 ordered the Thai carrot soup, a piquant in fact, ktf searingly spicy soup that was just what I needed (my sinuses were grateful, too) and the special Waazubee eggs (described as WZB eggggggs, scrambled with sun-dried tomato sauce and fried onions) at $5.95. John went for the unbelievably fabulous (my words, not his) giant serving of roast lamb on focaccia bread which, at $7.95, was a genuine steal. It came with a crisp side salad and those wonderful jumbo french fries, ladled with hot gravy and tender as butter. Needless to say, I sampled a mouthful or two. Other temptations taimrrM on the chalkboard menu above the bar were guarantees that we'd make good on our pledge to return often: Shepherd's pie was $8.95, something called banana-leaf salmon (doesn't that sound yummy?) was $9.95, "Jah' Makin Jerk" chicken was $9.95 and a curried vegetarian stew was $8.95.

The decor is highly imaginative, to say the least. There's the All kinds of events are on this weekend: Vancouver International Folk Festival: Starting tonight, it's the festival's 17th year bringing folk acts from around the world to entertain Vancouverites at Jericho Beach. It also signals the last year of organizer Gary Cristall's tenure as artistic director and head f-v credit cards and she answered with a flourish: "Yes, we do take Visa. Spend away!" John and I were quite overwhelmed by the menu choices, prompting an immediate decision to return to the Waazubee as often as possible, even though at this point we hadn't eaten a bite of their food. Everything on neighboring tables looked so tempting and I overheard a woman at the next table raving about the quality of Waazubee's fries and the size of the portion.

These fries, by the way, are generous hand-cut Benny Deis and Wayne Yarrow (right) in their funky Waazubee Cafe on Commercial Drive which features an 'eclectic' decor and great food. Staff photo by Colin Price -i i WHERE 1622 Commercial Drive PAYMENTRESERVATIONS Visa and MasterCard accepted; reservations required only for groups of 10 or more (253-5299) SMOKING About 40 per cent of the restaurant is reserved for non-smokers (good ventilation) HOURS Open 1 1:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Friday; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.

to midnight from within by candles. Assessed by John: "It's actually a very dumpy place that they've made funky." And, of course, the vividly attired and enthusiastic patrons add their own magic to the mix, so the result is a community-fuelled eatery a vast room, really which offers a comfortable and comforting ambience, and absolutely splendid food at low prices. They obviously have many regular customers and the few children we saw dining with their folks seemed quite in place and happy. The two of us dined royally for a grand total of $25, including tip, beverages and GST. This is a delightful, not-quite-secret rendezvous we'll be back to often.

draw for a return stay at Whistler Resort Passports are $5, or free with a hotel package, or can be obtained at Whistler Activity and Information Centre (1-932-2394). You'll also save on Whistler Summer Festival events when you book accommodation through Whistler Central Reservations at 1-800-944-7853. chandelier made from various pieces of cutlery. There are framed "nothings" over an ugly mural apparently the building's owner will not allow them to paint over it until they've been in operation long enough to prove themselves, so they've made the best of it and simply draped it and used it for ironiccomic relief. There are illuminated "houses" on stilts, lit honcho (Brent Gibson takes up his duties as GM).

Among the attractions: An assortment of wholesome, healthy (and modestly priced) foods sold at stalls in the food area. As in past years, "rent" a plate, return it to reclaim your deposit and you'll do your part to help the environment Whistler International Festival: 17th annual Folk Festival starts tonight Also this weekend (started yesterday, actually), this four-day fest celebrates the best of Canada's multicultural performers and Whistler's ethnic cuisine. A "restaurant passport'' offers visitors a 25 per cent discount off food items at all participating restaurants. With three passport "stamps," you can enter to win a.