Today’s dinner rendez vous - Rodneys Oyster Bar in Yaletown.  Not my first time but this place hasn’t disappointed yet.

The atmosphere is completely down to earth.  When you call them for a reservation, they greet you with the tagline - Thank you for calling Rodney’s, we shuck em, you suck em . On top of that, the serving staff turned off all the music in the middle of my dinner to call for a High Maintenance Alert. The lady who asked for the Pellegrino was probably embarrassed to death but I thought it was hilarious.  You can decide for yourself if this place is for you.

If you are there don’t miss:

- Raw Oysters on the Half Shell (Kushi and Kumamoto are my personal favourites)

The sauces are great and arranged according to spice level.  (Shallot Vinaigrette, Seawitch Sauce, White Boy Soul Sauce, Back From Hell, Johnny Reb’s Espanola Hot Sauce.) I wouldn’t venture past hell.

I went to the Chai Gallery yesterday.  Amazing food and atmosphere - you can kick off your shoes!

Don’t miss:

-the Rooibos Chai

-the Turkish Eggplant

-the Vegan Mango Pumpkin Pie.

Honestly to die for.  But if you can’t watch belly dancers without the temptation of trying a few moves yourself, I suggest you go easy on the buffet.