Prince George Dining Out by Prince George Citizen

Dining Great local eats and mouth-watering menus

OUT Prince GeorgE

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Inside

4 Indian Essence 6 Oakroom Grill 8 Kelly O’Bryans 10The Twisted Cork

12 Boston Pizza 20 Nancy O’s 22 Westwood pub 14 MR. MIKES 26 Second Cup 16 Shiraz 18 The Black Clover 28 White goose bistro

Photo Credits: James Doyle Cover: Shiraz | Shiraz Shishleek Kebob | Photo Credits: James Doyle

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

n Es s e n a i d

Indian Cuisine

i nd i a n u i s i ne c

Address: 2095 5th Avenue Phone: 250.364.1153 Web: indianessence.ca

Indian Essence tinyurl.com/hol9pw3

Indian Essence Restaurant is located in Prince George, BC and offers an authentic and memorable fine dining experience. Our elegant dining room is the ideal atmosphere for an intimate dinner for two or for any group event. Having gained invaluable experience in India’s 5-star hotels, our chef Balram Bali will tantalize your taste buds with an extensive menu of meat and vegetarian dishes. With decades of experience, our team of professionals coupled with a delectable cuisine and beautiful ambiance will make for the most enjoyable affair.

Chicken Biryani

Menu Highlights • Tandoori Mixed Grill • Aloo Gobi • Channa Masala • Butter Chicken • Lamb Korma • Prawn Coconut Curry

Chicken Tikka Masala

• Vegetable Pulao • Chicken Biryani • Spinach Paneer Naan • Indian Essence Bread Basket • Gulab Jamun

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Globally Inspired Cuisine

Price Range: $6.99 - $29.99 Address: #104-1023 Central Street West Phone: 250.277.1882 Web: oakroomgrill.com

Oakroom Grill tinyurl.com/z88old7

Salmon Red Thai Curry

Oakroom Grill is Prince George’s newest premium dining establishment, having opened in May of 2016. “There was a space lacking for people to enjoy food in a premium ambiance, yet at reasonable prices in Prince George, that inspired me to open Oakroom here in PG”, says Oakroom Grill owner Manish Sharma. Oakroom Grill prides itself on serving high quality, globally inspired fusion food in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere and welcomes guests of all ages. Whether you stop by with coworkers at lunch and enjoy a Thai Shrimp Noodle Salad, or sit for dinner with friends and enjoy an Exotic Mushroom Sirloin or Three Piggies Burger, Oakroom Grill aims to provide top notch service with food that they are sure you will love. If you are looking for something a little less formal, Oakroom Grill has got you covered as well. Come watch the big game in their lounge area or pull up a seat at the bar, and enjoy an appetizer or two, while sampling something out of their unique selections of wines, or one of the many cocktails that are available. Oakroom Grill also has their Happy Hour from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm & 8 pm to 12 am, so get a group together and come on down to enjoy a pint of beer, or glass of wine, and treat yourself to a fantastic dining experience.

Lamb Burger

Menu Highlights • Smoked Salmon and Spinach Salad • Sriracha Fish Goujons • Oak Signature Burger

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

• Rack of Bourbon Baby Back Ribs • Sukiyaki Rice Bowl • Affogatto

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Irish Pub Fare

Price Range: $8.75 - $36.95 Address: 1375 2nd Avenue Phone: 250.563.8999 Web: princegeorgerestaurant.com

Kelly o’bryans www.facebook.com/ KellyOsPG

Sheperd’s Pie

Philly Subwich

Kelly O”Bryan’s is located in the historic downtown core of Prince George and is a quaint neighbourhood restaurant with a pub like feel to it. Definitely family friendly, with a menu that is filled with something to satisfy everyone from kids to the young at heart. The open concept layout allows Kelly O’Bryan’s to accommodate larger groups, so grab a group of friends, family or coworkers, and come see the many different reasons for you to come visit us and experience the Kelly O’Bryan’s way. Kelly O’Bryan’s also happens to be one of the go-to spots in Prince George for those looking to celebrate their birthday in a casual, and relaxed atmosphere. Come in on your birthday, and bring at least one other friend and you will receive up to $20 off a lunch entree, or up to $25 off a dinner entree. For those looking for a late lunch, or even a reason to leave work a little early, Kelly O’Bryan’s has happy hour deals from 2-5pm, seven days a week, with deals on drinks, as well as, appetizers. If you are looking to grab a bite to eat later in the evening, Blarney Time is the late night crowd favourite. Come to Kelly O’Bryan’s from 9pm-Midnight, seven days a week and enjoy 2 for 1 pricing on their extensive list of appetizers. One word describes what people love most about Kelly O’Bryan’s....... Pachos. Have one plate and you will be a fan for life. It forms their corporate motto, “Powered by Pachos, fuelled by fun!!”

Menu Highlights • • • • • • 8

Pachos McCracken Rolls Guiness Burger Philly Subwich Sheperd’s Pie Irish Onion Soup

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Casual Fine Dining

Price Range: $5.95 - $69.95 Address: #101 - 1157 5th Avenue Phone: 250.561.5550 Web: twisted-cork.com

The Twisted Cork facebook.com/ twistedcorkrestaurant

Albacore Tuna with Blood Orange Reduction

The Twisted Cork stemmed from a concept of upscale home cooking, comfort food with a twist. For those of you that love a great meal and a quality glass of wine they had the same idea. The ‘Cork’ is located in a great building right in the downtown core of Prince George. Owner and Executive Chef Chris Angus creates menus using proteins and produce as close to home as he can get it, with a focus on fresh and local ingredients. That paired with a combination of quality wines with a BC focus, strong support of cottage breweries and a unique drink menu make the thirst quenching part of the business an experience of its own. The Twisted Cork believes the right recipe for success in the restaurant industry is the right atmosphere + quality service + quality food at competitive prices and the room is a perfect start to the formula. Make a reservation for yourself, or a group of friends, and give your taste buds a treat.

Charcuterie Board

Menu Highlights • BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich • Deep Fried Pickles • Baked French Onion Soup • Duck Breast • Black + Blue Tuna • Warm Chocolate Walnut Bread Pudding

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Casual dining

Price Range: $6.75 - $23.95 Address: 2500 Vance Rd 841 Central St W #102 Phone: 250.562.1414 250.564.1221

Web: bostonpizza.com

Boston Pizza facebook.com/BostonPizza

The Boston Pizza concept began in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964 when Greek immigrant Gus Agioritis opened his Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House. Agioritis’ strategy to grow the Boston Pizza chain focused on franchising and by 1970 there were 17 locations throughout Western Canada including 15 that were franchised. One of the first franchisees was an RCMP officer named Jim Treliving who was attracted to the growing popularity of Boston Pizza.

Chicken Parmesan

Boston Pizza is now Canada’s No.1 casual dining brand with more than 325 restaurants from coast to coast. The company has conquered the small town and suburban Canada landscape, and is now embarking upon its next phase of expansion - targeting prime urban locations across Canada. Boston Pizza is actively looking to open new locations’ in non-traditional sites such as hotels, sports arenas and strip malls.

Boston Royal Pizza

After 40 years in the industry, partners Jim Treliving and George Melville still love the restaurant business. Together, they have cultivated an extremely successful restaurant chain and have the vision, ambition and drive to ensure its continued growth.

Menu Highlights • • • • • • •

Create your own pizza or choose one of our classics Spicy Sausage Arrabiata Penne Baked- Seven Cheese Ravioli MVB Burger Slow Roasted Pork Back Ribs NY Strip Loin Steak Jambalaya Fettuccine

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Steakhouse Casual

Price Range: $7.99 - $32.99 Address: 2216 Ferry Avenue Phone: 250.562.1080 Web: mrmikes.ca

MR. MIKES facebook.com/ MrMikesOnline

Lobster Avocado Salad

Mr. Mikes Steakhouse has been a British Columbia staple since the first location opened on Granville Street in Vancouver in 1960, but things have definitely evolved from the old cafeteria style salad bar of yesteryear. Our newest concept, Mr. Mikes SteakhouseCasual©, launched in Prince George in March 2012 and has been flourishing ever since. We provide “affordable indulgence” of fine cuts of beef and premium spirits in a refreshingly laid-back steakhouse experience. Whether you are celebrating a win with the team with one of our world famous Mikeburgers© and a stein of beer, or taking that special someone out for an intimate dinner featuring a Canadian AAA-grade steak with all the delicious fixings or even an amazing salad, we have got you covered!

Menu Highlights • Crackling Sirloin Bites • Lobster Avocado Salad • Classic Mikeburger

Bacon Mikeburger

• 12oz Ribeye Steak • China Town Stir Fry

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Authentic Persian Cuisine

Address: Unit 159 - 1600 15th Avenue (parkwood mall beside movie theatre) Phone: 250-596-7397 Web: shiraz-cafe.com

facebook.com/ShirazCafeAndRestaurant

Norouz Lamb

Goldenberry Rice with Saffron Chicken

Shiraz Since opening Shiraz in December of 2012, owner Reza Akbari has worked tirelessly to bring the tastes of his childhood to Northern British Columbia’s first Persian restaurant. All of their food is homemade and authentic, allowing guests to experience Persia with appetizers, main dishes, and desserts fresh from the kitchen. All the blood, sweat, and tears Akbari has put into his dream was recognized on February 26, 2016 in Vancouver at 13th Annual Small Business BC Awards where it was announced that Shiraz was the winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice Award. Between October 1 and November 30, 2015, British Columbian’s were asked to vote for their favourite small business, where it was eventually narrowed down to the top five businesses in each of the ten categories. Those five finalists then went on to face a panel of judges who ultimately determined the winner in each category. It was here where Shiraz received this honour. “The Small Business BC awards have been around for thirteen years, and this is the first time a business from Prince George won a Small Business award”, said Shiraz owner Reza Akbari. “Shiraz is a reflection of my Master’s studies as well. The theme of my studies, and the theme of Shiraz is along a quote by Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. “This is the whole concept of Shiraz, the feelings and memories that people have when they leave”, continues Akbari.

Menu Highlights • Chicken or Shawarma Sandwich • Rice Felafel Wrap • King Kebob (Soltani Kebob) • Golden Berry Rice with Chicken (Zereshk Polo ba Morgh) • Shiraz Stuffed Pepper (Dolmeh Felfel) • Rack of Lamb kebob (shishleek-e- Shiraz • Norouz lamb (polo- ba- mahiche) 16

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Authentic Irish Cuisine

Price Range: $4.00 - $28.00 Address: 1165 5th Avenue Phone: 250.564.4441 Web: theblackclover.com

The Black Clover facebook.com/ blackcloverpg

The Black Clover is Prince George’s newest addition to the downtown scene featuring an exclusive list of authentic Irish culinary offerings that are made from scratch, as well as, an extensive list of ethnic spirits and beverages. Step through the doors and feel the intimate and friendly vibe one would expect from an Irish Public House. From the cozy nooks and crannies, your favourite draught beers, to the live entertainment, to the richly appointed lounge complete with leather upholstered chairs. This is a perfect place to enjoy a complex Irish single pot whiskey.

Pot Roast

Salmon Salad

The Black Clover is not trying to re-invent the wheel, knowing that the one thing that will set their establishment apart from the rest lies not in what they offer but in how its offered to the guests. They pride themselves on a high, unpretentious level of service and will not compromise on your experience once you walk through the doors.

Menu Highlights • Traditional Irish Stew • Steak and Potato Salad • Scotch Eggs • Corned Beef Sandwich • Pot Roast • Fish and Chips

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Locally Sourced Quality Pub Fare

Address: 1261 3rd Avenue Phone: 250.562,8066 Web: nancyos.ca Photo by Bobbi Carpino

Nancy O’s facebook.com/nancyospg

Porchetta Sandwich

Chicken Fingers

Very often a conversation will break out over social networks (when it isn’t congested with Adele videos, social justice warriors, and reposting’s from George Takei) arguing that restaurants in Prince George cannot be held to the same level as those in larger cities, that people should settle with that they have. So when there’s acclaim to be had, expect said praise to be saddled with the provision, “for Prince George.” Such a condition need not be said about Nancy O’s, with the staff claiming such middling praise is more a slap in the face (as it would be for anyone). It assumes they resolve themselves to be substandard. This could not be further from the truth. One chef apprenticed in San Marino. When the owners needed to conduct research for their upcoming pizzeria, they toured Italy. Twice. The owners do not compromise, and their restaurant reflects that philosophy. Nancy O’s remains a hot spot, with patrons coming for the music, cuisine, and atmosphere. It claims a title many others have tried and failed to achieve—to be a true upmarket gastropub where high-end beer and top-level cuisine marry themselves in a modest and welcoming ambiance. They cure their own meats and source ingredients from all over the province. The owners will soon follow Nancy O’s success with a neighboring pizzeria, one which will certainly again set the bar for quality. Indeed, the town deserves a higher class of restaurant, and it’s already here. By Chris Dias

Menu Highlights • Applewood Smoked Chicken Sandwich Photos by Chelsea Miller

• Flaming Nancy Burger 2016 Prince George Dining Guide

• Chicken and Waffles • Charcuterie

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Pub Fare

Price Range: $4.95 - $21.95 Address: 233 Cherry Avenue Phone: 250.596.3070

Westwood pub facebook.com/ TheWestwoodPub

The Woods Nachos

Chicken Wings

Westwood Public House strives for good service, fresh and classic pub food in a friendly and social environment. “Food is such a big part of a pub nowadays, it’s called a gastropub, so you try and step up your game with the food”, says owner Nathan Coole. “Come for the food, and stay for the drinks”. It is easy to see that there is a lot of action behind those words. From in-house soups made daily, to sauces, dips, gravy, and dressings that are house-made, Westwood Pub prides itself on using the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible, using grain fed chicken and steroid free beef, as well as, avoiding using processed foods. They take pride in what they do, and what they serve to their valued customers and it shows. Whether you come in for lunch, stop by with your team to celebrate a win, or you are looking to treat that special someone to a night out, Westwood Pub has you covered with a menu that will leave everyone satisfied. Not only is there a delicious selection of eats, there is also a large selection of drinks to choose from. With 20 different beers on tap, ranging from craft beers, to domestic and import, you are surely to find something to wet your whistle. If beer is not your drink of choice, perhaps you might try a Woods Caeser, seasoned with hot sauce that is also made in-house. As owner Nathan Coole said, “If you’re looking for a good time, this is the place to be”.

Menu Highlights

• The Wood’s Clubhouse

• Chicken Fiesta Wrap

• Perogies & Big Game Sausage

• Poutine Bar

• Wood’s Hand Carved Beef Dip

• The Wood’s Nachos

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Café and Baked Goods

Address: Unit 130 - 1600 15th Avenue Phone: 250.562.5620 Web: secondcup.com

Second Cup facebook.com/SecondCup

Tuxedo Cake

Italian Deluxe Sandwich

Although Tulsa Sturmey has only been an owner of the Second Cup Prince George location since November of 2015, she is far from a novice when it comes to the coffee business having started out at this location as a barista 12 years ago, and having been involved with the company since 1997. After moving her way up through the ranks as assistant manager and manager, she gained valuable experience of customer wants and needs along the way, and the next logical step for Sturmey was to purchase a franchise of her own. After recently completing renovations, Second Cup Prince George is ready to welcome back long time customers, as well as those visiting for the first time. Centrally located in Parkwood Place, Second Cup Prince George is conveniently located, whether you need to grab a quick burst of caffeine on the way to work with a cup of coffee, or you prefer to sit with friends and socialize while sipping an ice cold Italian Soda on their outdoor patio, Second Cup Prince George has something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Second Cup Prince George uses nothing but the highest grade of specialty Arabica coffees that come from some of the most socially and environmentally conscious farms around the globe. It’s this obsession that ensures that they keep bringing you the very best coffee in every cup.

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

Casual Fine Dining

Price Range: $11.00 - $40.00 Address: 1205 3rd Ave Phone: 250.561.1002 Web: whitegoosebistro.ca

White goose bistro facebook.com/ White-Goose-Bistro

Lobster Nachos

Beef Tenderloin with Peppercorn Cream Sauce

Set the WABAC machine (that’s wayback) to over twenty years ago, and Moreno Miotto, one of the best chefs Prince George had seen until that point, had opened a pair of restaurants. He soon hired two apprentices and imparted the whole of his knowledge. When Moreno left for a five-star private golf resort in Tuscany (the philistine), said apprentices were more than ready and willing to take up the challenge, leading the culinary landscape back home. While Ryan pushed the envelope of upmarket cuisine at his own place, White Goose Bistro, Wayne Kitchen (no lie, true name) traveled the world, discovering new possibilities of the gastronomic craft found only in the depths of Europe (I keep picturing monasteries and giant wheels of cheese). Both were masters at their craft, overqualified to run their own establishments in Vancouver or Toronto (please don’t, I’m not ready to move yet). Now, after twelve years apart, the two prodigies have united. Ryan and Wayne have at least equaled if not surpassed the skill of their master, under the same roof, White Goose has become nigh unstoppable. A machine is far more than the sum of its parts. The menu is a rich offering of traditional and avant garde cuisine, including a five-course chef’s menu, one of the few places in town offering one). Ryan and Wayne are a yin-yang, opposite yet complimentary; combined, they form a powerhouse of gastronomic gusto. They’re like Voltron, except with risotto, polenta, and brandy cream sauce. By Chris Dias

2016 Prince George Dining Guide

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2016 Prince George Dining Guide