Comments on: We Go To The Brave Bull, So you Don’t Have To.

By: LotusRapper

LotusRapper — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:32:50 +0000

One would truly have to be a “Brave Bull” to walk in in the first place.

But I think AC is right. Not getting food poisoning after walking out of this place is a real blessing. This place may be dated and food is not competitive with the rest of Vancouver’s culinary delights, but 30+ years ago it was sort of the Earl’s/Milestones/Joey’s of the day [shivers] when Greek/Italian/Chinese/Japanese restaurants were oh so exotic and adventurous.

And that’s exactly when I recall first seeing this restaurant, in the 70s, when a family member worked in a textiles company just 3 doors away. I don’t recall the old name, but quite possible the proprietor(s) were the same.

By: ac

ac — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:46:47 +0000

I think you are being a little unfair to the place considering they are charging less than 9$ for a bowl of soup and a steak. I went there 2 weekends ago out of similar curiousity and did not notice any smell at all.

Given the location I was expecting truckers and hookers having dinner between tricks but the place was semi busy with stylish looking people who looked like they were on their way to a club or a show.

It was a bit of a struggle to find a clam in the the clam chowder and it was on the underseasoned side but for a bowl of soup perfectly acceptable. My steak, while a little chewy was a very even medium rare, a hot baked potato and some boring veg. The food was a little bland but terrible is a bit much. Terrible would be an overcooked steak and a case of food poisoning. I think they deserve some credit serving a 9$ steak and not giving everybody the runs.

By: r.

r. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:24:22 +0000

Canucklehead: last I checked, The Only has been closed for a health violation since March 2009. It was worth going to before that, though. Not much in the way of decent fish & chips downtown any more.

By: jacobgalbraith

jacobgalbraith — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:09:52 +0000

i think you caught a glimpse of what dining may become if the recession were to go a little bit deeper. i understand doing something like this to yourself, but your family?

this piece is the stuff of legends.

By: canucklehead

canucklehead — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:46:54 +0000

doodler – I like your thinking! Send KT into dodgy places first. I propose family dining at The Only next.

(As for Cipriano’s – food is that giant portioned red sauce school of cooking – it’s really neither here or there. The owner though – gives off a really mean vibe.)

By: K

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:49:23 +0000

“No Frills, just good steaks”

By: doodler

doodler — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:15:46 +0000

Thanks for having the stones to dine there, but to take your family…your lucky wife

Let’s make a list of more to visit. Have always been curious about Ciprianos on Main Street. Is there any retro charm to this or is it just nasty?

By: canucklehead

canucklehead — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:53:22 +0000

Thanks for solving a local culinary mystery. I’ve driven by that place a gazillion times – and have been equally intrigued and frightened by the signage.

What’s your next case? The baffling popularity of Stepho’s?

By: Simon

Simon — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:55:30 +0000

Oh my gonch, this is hilarious. There’s actually food being served in there? It seems like the perfect front for human organ laundering, or money transplanting or something…but actual meat being served to people? I never would have guessed.

This answers so many nagging questions I’ve never had the balls to satisfy for myself. Talent: taking the bullet. Thanks buddy.

By: paulkamon

paulkamon — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:48:50 +0000

Thank you for that. I haven’t had the courage to eat there, even though every time I pass my curiosity is tickled.

By: jahvay

jahvay — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:05:47 +0000

Better to come to Gotham and eat the best steak, than waste $$$ on mediocrity…

By: jahvay

jahvay — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:04:50 +0000

The coliseum serves lousy beer for the same reason BC Place serves shite for way too much money. They got you and they don’t really care about quality, just getting it out.

Sad. I need to go to Fenway.