Martini`s

In addition to my regular league games on Friday nights, I decided to help out another team in the game right before ours. I guess I really didn't help them since we lost 8 - 3. Moreover, my team lost 3 - 2 in our own game as well. This was not a good night of hockey! After back-to-back games, I was hungry (well, I'm always hungry). Looking way back to my youth, I remembered that we would frequent a place on Broadway across from MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) quite often. Ah yes, Martini's! Open late until 2:00am, this is a great place to get some grub after a night of partying or sports.

Martini's has a diverse menu which includes whole wheat pizza, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, Greek specialties and an array of appetizers. The restaurant itself is not too big, but it's cozy and comfortable. The service was really good, our server was always around and was prompt with our requests. Looking over the menu, I was trying to decide what to have. I hate when there is too much choice! Finally, I settled on having the Wiener Schnitzel with mashed potatoes and veggies. The plate of food reminded me of diner fare. It was kind of sloppy and it looked like home cooking. Despite its appearance, the veal was very meaty and the coating was crisp. There were both melted cheese and a generous amount of mushroom gravy on top. The veggies were fresh; however, the carrots were overdone.

Boss Woman had the Braised Lamb Shank which is braised with celery, onions, pancetta, tomatoes, and red wine. She said it tasted really good with balanced flavours; but the shank could have been more tender. Milhouse had the New York Steak with Baked Lasagna. He asked for the steak to be well-done, I guess that would explain why it looked like a piece of charcoal. Personally, I've never been a fan of overcooking good cuts of meat. It's already dead, you don't need to kill it again (sorry Milhouse, LOL). The lasagna was plentiful and full of cheese; but it was a bit overcooked and watery. Of course a visit to Martini's isn't complete without their famous whole wheat pizza. There were plenty of toppings and cheese on the pizza. Moreover, the pizza didn't appear oily at all. According to Silent Bob, the pizza was good, and that's a positive because not all whole wheat pizzas are good (ie. Panago). Well, it certainly tasted better than it looked since the crust looked a bit gummy. The food at Martini's is more than acceptable; however, it isn't outstanding. I probably wouldn't choose to eat here during regular dinner hours; but at 1:00am in the morning, there are not many places with decent food like Martini's.

The Good:
- Open late
- Good service
- Good selection of food for late night
- Refillable pop is only $1.95!

The Bad:
- Food is a bit average, other than the pizza
- Some items are a bit pricey

Martini's
151 West Broadway
Vancouver, B.C.
604-873-0021
www.martinis.ca

Business Hours:
11:00am - 1:00am (Mon - Thu)
11:00am - 2:00am (Fri)
2:00pm - 2:00am (Sat)
2:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)