By Christopher DeMarcus, Nadine Moedt, Sasha Moedt, and Katie Stobbart – Email
Print Edition: January 15, 2014
10. Roseland Family Restaurant
I can’t stop raving about Roseland. The beef dip, the broccoli cheddar soup… I’ve never been unhappy with a meal there. It’s all comfort food. Do yourself a favour: settle down with a friend in a cushioned booth — they only have booths, not tables — and order potato skins. You won’t regret it. Service is good, atmosphere is good, and prices are low to average. One of the main perks of this restaurant is that it’s within a five-minute drive to UFV, so you can duck out between classes on a rainy day and enjoy a stress-free lunch at this idyllically named eatery at Five Corners in Abbotsford. — K.S.
9. New Saigon
New Saigon is a vegetarian-friendly alternative to the typically meat-heavy restaurants; the wide selection of vermicelli bowls, stir-fry and salad rolls offer lighter, gluten-free options. The owner, Henry, is often in and remembers your last order with surprising detail, which gives the restaurant a welcoming feel. My favourite: a vermicelli bowl with vegetarian spring rolls and sweet prawns. For those who like a little more protein, Henry’s special features grilled pork and pork patties. Vietnamese coffee is a interesting addition to the meal. Grab one of the comfortable and private couch-seats against the wall, or call in and get take out. — N.M.
8. Mr. India
Two words: butter chicken. I can’t get enough of the rich yellow sauce, spiced to perfection. It’s creamy, thick, spicy. I’m no Indian cuisine expert, but as a person who usually avoids spicy foods ? well, Mr. India has changed me. I usually go with my vegetarian friend, who lets me try her matter puneer, aloo gobi, and malai kofta. It’s delicious as well, but I’m still at the stage where all I’m ordering is butter chicken, as well as a basket of naan — garlic naan is best, golden with just the right amount of crunch. Even if you’re not a spice-person, give some mild butter chicken from Mr. India a try; you won’t be let down. — S.M.
7. Mitch Miller’s
Mitch Miller’s is the best of both worlds: huge portions and gourmet quality. If you’re worried about being serving too much, there is always the option for a “to go” box. The best thing about this local favourite is the service. Your coffee cup will never sit empty. Despite the complexity of the dishes, food lands on the table quicker than in any other cafe in town. But that doesn’t mean the dishes are pre-made cardboard. This place hosts a massive menu: from buffalo burgers to eggs Benedict. If you want to score the best breakfast in town, this is the place. — C.D.
6. Sushi Nine
They do sushi well at Sushi Nine. I’ve tried all their basic menu items — dynamite roll, California roll, assorted sashimi, sunomono, gyoza, and miso. It’s great quality, always fresh, decent prices (though, like all sushi places, not student-wallet cheap), and the little restaurant has a clean, cozy atmosphere. The tempura sauce at Sushi Nine is interesting, spiced with something different and pretty tasty. The service is really the best of sushi places in Abbotsford. The woman serving always has a smile on her face, and never leaves you hanging. Finally, I won’t give you any spoilers, but try the Sushi Nine roll. It’s an adventure in a roll. S.M.
5. O’Neill’s Home Cooking
O’Neill’s has been a downtown Abbotsford and UFV student favourite for a long while now. The O’Neill breakfast sandwich is legendary at this point for the huge sweet potato bun, not to forget the delicious melding of cheese, ham, mayo, honey mustard, and a fried egg. Vern O’Neill has expanded the seating area too, so now you can sit down for your sandwich and enjoy some local art bedecking the walls. — S.M.
4. Rockos
Ever get hungry at night? Of course you do. This 24 hour diner, with its ‘50s signage, neon lights, and Archie comic-esque booths will ease your cravings. The portions are hefty. If you’re looking for deep-fried, greasy, meaty and cheesy, Rockos is for you. Try their milkshakes — Rockos boasts dozens of flavours, and 420 combinations! If you’re lucky, your waitress will call you “honey” and snap her chewing gum while she takes your order. ? S.M.
3. Clayburn Village Store & Tea Shop
At Clayburn Village Store & Tea Shop, it’s all about the atmosphere and the soup. The little tea shop makes you feel like you’re in Hogsmead. It’s British. Old-fashioned. So quaint. But it’s the soup that will blow your mind. Whatever the soup of the day is, get it. If you don’t like the ingredients, still get it. My favourite soups — chipotle black bean and ham, and carrot-orange — didn’t sound good on paper, but they are creamy goodness. The flavour was so rich and genuine! You’re not going to get a lot of food for your buck; the tea shop isn’t cheap. Try something small — a Cornish pasty and a bowl of soup — and you’ll be satisfied. — S.M.
2. Wendel’s
The lunch wraps and paninis at Wendel’s are something to rave about. A wild salmon wrap with bean sprouts and quinoa? Yes please. A chicken and brie panini? Pepper jack panini? Wonderful! Half-bookstore, half-coffee shop with an extensive and varied menu, Wendel’s — on the corner of the main street in historic Fort Langley — fosters a warm atmosphere. It’s always busy, and really the only negative thing I could say about it is somethimes you have to wait a while for your order. But it’s definitely worth it. Wendel’s knows how to combine flavours into something heavenly — roasted garlic mayo and caramelized onions on one wrap, brie cheese and roasted meat on the other… Wendel’s combines texture and taste to make a delicious mouthful. — S.M.
1. Afterthoughts
Cheesecake, pastry, and coffee lovers: Afterthoughts is your home. Whether you’re looking for rich, creamy cakes, delicate pastries, or a thick, gooey cinnamon bun, this is the place to be. Afterthoughts’ soups and sandwiches are nothing to sneeze at either — try the broccoli-cheese soup! This is the kind of place that you can take chances at. Try something new. Cookies, turnovers, danishes… Afterthoughts does everything they serve well. It’s a social place — no plug-ins or wifi — so go with a friend and share a slice of Vancouver cheesecake to start. — S.M.
