We discovered Adesso Bistro just around the corner from where we're staying in the West End of Vancouver. It was very quiet tonight, with only one other table occupied while we were there and another table leaving as we arrived.

I enjoyed the Prix Fixe menu of Gnocchi, Brasato (braised beef), and Panna Cotta. Emma wasn't feeling too well, so she had a light salad and half a mushroom pizza. Both the food and the service were very good. We'd certainly go again.

We discovered Bistrot Bistro in Kitsilano on a previous visit to Vancouver. It's an agreeable little French restaurant just south of downtown. Emma suggested that we eat there again for my birthday, and it was a fine choice.

We ate from the prix fixe menu for $26 apiece. She had the carrot soup, roast chicken, and raspberry sorbet; I had the pate de campagne, a peppercorn steak, and a chocolate mousse. The prix fixe included a sizeable quantity of pommes frites. We added Brussel sprouts, a baguette with olive tapenade, and a half-litre of Pinot Gris, and walked away two hours later, pleasantly sated.

The last time we were there, it …continue.