Calabash Bistro just opened up in Chinatown, on the edge of the Downtown Eastside and Gastown.  They are a delicious addition to our neighborhood, and only too welcome with their Jamaican flavor, art and music.

Calabash Bistro Chef Cullin

Last week I had the Fry Fish sandwich with homemade Jerk Fries and Jamaican ketchup.  OH MY WORD.  It was simple, delicious, and I had to go back again this week!  This time I ate the Jerk Chicken sandwich with Jerk Fries and salad.  The chicken was made with the chefs own house made jerk sauce.  Speaking of sauces..  I’m a sucker for them!  So their Jerk Aioli and Jamaican Ketchup threw me over the edge.  And OH MY GOSH..  Their homemade Coco Bread..  It’s a light sandwich shaped bread that they use for their sandwiches or make into a patty.  And it is wonderful.

Dayna, Calabash Bartender

Both times I’ve dropped in, the servers were really friendly and they are on the ball with great service.   The upstairs is comfortable posh, with local art work and Caribbean décor, with the chefs cooking in the background wearing their colorful tams.  We tried a couple of their drinks, and I would definitely recommend the Ginger Ale which is made in house and is strong and nice.

A unique aspect of Calabash is their desire to bring art and music into the eating experience.  Their downstairs lounge is host of Foundation Radio, an online radio station that plays roots, reggae, jazz, blues, motown and funk music.  They often have live music with DJ’s spinning and local artists performing reggae, hip-hop, funk, and poetry.

Natalie, Server and weekend DJ

If you haven’t checked it out, come in at lunch for their daily special sandwiches that are very reasonably prices ($6-$12), or come in the evening for their delicious Mains ($10-13).  I haven’t tried the sides yet, but I’ll have to wait for next week to check out the Plantain Chips and Fried Coconut Dumplings.  J

I just had the little point and shoot camera with me, but they were nice enough to pose.

Calabash Bistro

BOB staff have a new haunt.  More and more people are discovering it, but it is still mostly empty, most of the time.  The On the Edge Pub has opened at the corner of Columbia and Cordova, just on the edge of Gastown.  They put a lot of money into renovating the place, there are 85 seat, several TVs, they plan to have Wii tournaments and concerts too.

However the reason you should go there now is, they kept the prices super reasonable and the food is very, very good.  Apparently the thing to order after work is their take on Poutine, which includes ribs or at least the meat from BarBQ ribs.  They have daily specials, even a lunch card if you know who to ask.  (Your server or the owner).  On Friday they had pitchers of Granville Island Lagaer that were just a shade over a 11 dollars and four dollar Jamison whiskeys.  Today I had the fish and chips, but Lani’s burger with aditional cheese and bacon looked better.

Their neon sign was getting installed today so they’ll be easier to find, but if your looking for a place for a “working lunch” or beers after work in the hood, why not give the On the Edge pub a try.  Tell them BOB sent you.

Bob who?