Breakfast for Lunch: Huevos Rancheros at The Next Act

I managed to get a seat at The Next Act for brunch this afternoon - a rare feat on a Saturday. I ordered the huevos rancheros, without cheese. Two eggs done sunny-side up were topped with salsa and guacamole, atop a generous bed of refried beans and corm tortillas. An even more generous portion of seasoned hash browns was on the side. I really enjoyed the flavour and texture combination in this filling meal. The salsa was not spicy - hot sauce is served on the side as well for those who like to kick things up a bit more.

Coffee Break: Vanilla Chai at Naanolicious

Vanilla is the chai flavour of the month for January at Naanolicious. I didn't find it too sweet - it had just enough vanilla to enhance the milky, black tea.

Meatloaf at Devaney's

I had supper recently at Devaney's when I had an event to film directly across the street at the Telus Centre a week or so ago. I had the meatloaf: two thick slices of straight-ahead beef and seasonings. It was simple, but flavourful. The carrot and pea vegetable mixture I think was frozen but revived with some butter, and the mashed potatoes were blazingly hot - like, they had been microwaved or something. The meat was definitely the best part of the dish, but the sadder sides would deter me from ordering it again.

Thali Box at Naanolicious

The new Thali Box lunch at Naanolicious could be Whyte Avenue's best-kept dining secret. Served only until 2 p.m., this is like the East Indian version of a Bento Box, and features rice, naan bread, a chicken dish, a vegetarian dish, and salad. The specific dishes are the chef's choosing, so you're getting both a surprise and something like a buffet - but brought directly to your table, and always fresh. My Thali Box had rich butter chicken, a lentil dish which was superb, saffron rice, a cucumber-yogurt salad, a shredded cabbage salad, and garlic naan. At only $16.95 the price point is excellent for the amount of food you're getting. It's not on the menu - you have to ask for it, and you'll be glad you did.