Click for playback – foodie_friday_7.22.11 or tune in at 11:05 a.m. on News 1130 every Friday for Foodie Fridays with The Good Life Vancouver.

Restaurant of the week – Pink Elephant Thai

Owner Desmond Chen knows a thing or two about Thai food; he’s the owner of Yaletown’s Charm Modern Thai and his family has been in the Thai (along with other themes) restaurant business for decades.  At his newest restaurant, Pink Elephant on Alberni Street, the food is authentic and the atmosphere lively and full of fun.

From 3-5 pm daily go in for the Happy Hour – $6 for Thai soup combinations, or bring a group to share there many noodle dishes, seafood, rice and meats.  Don’t miss the lamb chop or oxtail coconut curry.

“Our restaurant is comprised of 88 seats, including 8 at the bar, with a large communal table running the length of the restaurant. Our oversized booths are sure to become coveted tables, while a chef’s table, ideal for larger groups, has a view of all the action in the kitchen and below from up above on the mezzanine. Overall, our look is ultra sleek with gleaming white, cool grey, polished black, and lots of pink. Creative martini’s, signature cocktails, imported beers including Thailand’s Singha, along with a varied and well priced wine list, pair nicely with our menu that is inspired by the flavor and influence from all of the regions in Thailand. Although our atmosphere at Pink Elephant Thai aims to be “sanook”, that’s Thai for fun and vibrant with lots of energy; there’s also room to “sabai sabai” or relax and chill. With two levels there’s enough space to accommodate everyone’s mood whether it be for lunch, dinner or late night drinks in a hip, vibrant and energetic room.

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Drink of the week – Granville Island False Creek Raspberry Ale

TASTING NOTES Fresh raspberries, without being too sweet. Refreshingly tart with enough pale malt character, so it tastes like an ale, not a wine cooler.

Crisp and clean. Goes well with salads, particularly crisp greens with light fresh dressings. Perfect pairing: Plain chevre on crackers or smoked chicken topped spring greens with walnuts and blue cheese.

Cookbook Pick – Healthy Starts Here Marilyn Smith

When’s the last time you encountered a cookbook written by a “Second City” alumna? Well, get ready for the laughs to roll in on your way to better eating! Mairlyn Smith, a well-known professional home economist and media commentator on healthy cooking and eating, knows that improving your and your family’s diet is serious business–and also pretty funny.

Learn how to retrain your sodium-addled taste buds. Become a master hunter-gatherer with tips on grocery shopping and food storage. Find out which family of vegetables causes cancer cells to self-destruct. And learn the real truth about legumes and flatulence…

Geared to busy families, Healthy Starts Here! features recipes for both classic favour-ites and new spins on old standbys, including–

• Hockey-Night-in-Canada Burgers
• Chili-Roasted Broccoli Stalks
• Black Bean-Tortilla Chip Soup
• Barley Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms
• Chocolate Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce

Informative essays as well as nutrition information and diabetes food choice values for each recipe round out the package.

Events on the Horizon

THE CANADIAN NATIONAL BBQ CHAMPIONSHIPS CELEBRATE A DECADE IN WHISTLER JULY 29-31 (July 29, 2011)
‘Women in the Kitchen’ Gourmet Wine Dinner (July 29, 2011)
araxi longtable @ north arm farm (July 30, 2011)