<\/p>\n
\n \n \n \n \n \n
\nThe
\nHired Belly is busy pondering the foodie newsmakers of 2009. Daniel
\nBoulud, Rob Feenie, Robert Belcham, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and
\nRobert Clark could all be serious contenders. But how about this one:
\nThe Canada Line?
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nWe’re serious. Could it be that Vancouver’s
\ngleaming new train will finally forge the link to the not-so-distant
\n(but as yet untapped) goodie bag that is Richmond dining?
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nHopping
\non the new train at the Roundhouse is a breeze. In a scant 25 minutes,
\nworlds change. It’s like landing in Kowloon–minus the 14-hour flight.
\nAnd the beauty from a foodie perspective is that you have a smorgasbord
\nof incredible flavours at your fingertips.
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nYes, we know: Richmond’s flourishing Chinese scene is nothing new.
\nBut ever since T&T opened downtown, saving time (and protecting our
\nsafe driving discount) has meant fewer trips, making this dining mecca
\neasy to overlook.
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nThen again, maybe it was too much work to
\ndecide where to go for the best congee, barbecued pork, Shanghai
\nnoodles or dumplings. In a city with plenty of contenders, it could be
\ntough on both belly and budget.
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nEnter the Chinese Restaurant
\nAwards, which made their debut last year. And thanks to an avalanche of
\nsavvy sponsors, they’ve been greatly expanded for 2010. The
\njust-revealed HSBC Diners’ Choice Awards precede the Critics’ Choice
\nSignature Dish Awards, to be announced following the 2010 Olympics.
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n