& . ‘he 5ea Mates for life Sea Mates Seafood Restaurant, § 998 Marine Dr., North Van- couver, 980-1213. Visa, MasterCard and American Ex- press accepted. Open Tuesday to Sunéay for dinner. Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch. Call a babysitter or take the kids? You could do either. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1992 - North Shore News — 29 Flavour of India Authentic Gourmet Cuisine 2 for] MON., TUES., WED. 1 FREE DINNER When a second dinner entree of equal or lesser vaiue is purchased. » Lunch Buffet - $6.95 . $8.95, 12:00-2:30 ion. Mon.-Fii, * Excludes beverages - # FULLY LICENSED © Sunday Buffet $9.95 0.0. 15 hems} cat n2oe s:co0m Timothy Renshaw ® Dinner from Y bea $-10pm. Mon.-Sat. TABLE HOPPING UCCESSFUL sea mates share a strong sense of community. They might also share the occa- sional hogshead of ale or ladle cf navy rum. For life at sea requires mutual respect and all hands on deck if it is to continue beyond the first set of rogue waves. Life in the restaurant trade re- quires similar teamwork — on both sides of the tablecloth. Rogue waves abeund here, too. Peter Chiu has developed an enduring set of restaurant sea legs. His Sea Mates restaurant has - weathered many stormy econsmic seas, and it remains extremely buoyant. if Table Hopping recollections are correct, Sea Mates originally set sail in February 1975, when most Table Hopping staff were still wandering aimlessly in the job market void. And rather than run aground on reefs of complacency and dull fa- miliarity, the Sea Mates’ crew has prospered and grown. Last year, the restaurant grew in size by one-third. The expansion added some new seating, bringing the total to about 94, but it also added depth to the Sea Mates’ character and appearance. _.Its bar is bigger; its washrooms are bigger: and Sea Mates now boasts a real nori-smoking secticn — non-smokers now accounting for almost 70% of the restaurant's clientele. . Regular patrons, the key to the restaurant's longevity, can now unwind in the wide open Sea Mates’ spaces. - The restaurant’s decor includes colorful aquariums populated with goldfish and tropical fish, assorted salty knick-knacks and wallhang- ings collected from almost two decades of restaurant life. The restaurant’s food also benefits from the more spacious surroundings. tts menu has always featured a NEWS phote Neil Lucente AHOY SEA MATES...Peter Chiu, owner of North Vancouver's Sea Mates restaurant, presents a mixed piatter of grilled halibut, crab, tiger prawns and red snapper. good cross-section of seafood at reasonable prices (entrees range primarily from $11 up to $15 and include everything from Oysters Florentine, $10.95; to Curried Crab, $11.95; and steamed Alaska Black Cod, $13.95). But its expanded kitchen is pro- ducing that famitiar cross-section with a renewed vigor and polish. On a recent Friday night, Table Hopping sampled variations of Tiger Prawns, Sea Mates’ signature seafood (Tiger Prawns, $12.95, and Steak and Tiger Prawns, $14.95.) Chiu. a Tiger Prawn aficionado, ranges far afield for his restaurant’s su; ply. “ @ ones on our plate were fresh-water, green-tailed prawns from Vietnam. Broiled and finished with a sub- dued garlic butter, they were sweet and delicious. Vegetable accompaniment on the entree plate included carrots and snow peas, steamed and light- ly buttered; rebaked potstoes; and a sprig of parsley. The steak was sirloin, grilled to the rare side of medium rare. Both entrees were simple and well prepared. Our rneals were delivered punc- tually and with informal grace. A variety of basic desserts are also offered by Sea Mates: Mud Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake; Hazelnut Torte; Belgian Chocolate Mousse (all $3.95). They are capably produced, if less than exciting. Sea mates are usually lifetime relationships; Sea Mates appears to have similar appeal and staying power. TASTY MORSELS Chesa Restaurant, 1724 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 922-2411 A Nov. 10 fire behind the wall of Chesa’s kitchen has knocked the popular West Vancouver restau- rant out of commission for the balance of November. The cause of the blaze had nat been determined as this column was being completed, but it oc- curred when no on2 was in the restaurant. The fire damaged the kitchen’s stove and exhaust system. Jurgen Schulte, Chesa chef and ‘co-owner, says he hopes to reopen Chesa by the beginning of December. The restaurant's legion of fans will hope along with him. Now Available at - ¢ Expires Dec. 9/92 985 - 5477 (ample parking west side of building) 175 E. 3rd St., N. Vancouver PS CS es RD Ae A SM MD SS aM A Reading orth Read over Peppi’s new fall & winter menus and reap the rewards. Order a main course at the regular price and pay only $4.95 for the second one (value up to $14.95) 5 | i | i a i a § Sample our new § menus and save up to $10.00 i couple i a a | E | | a Offer ends November 30/92 Not valid en Saturdays & holidays 25th Street, below Marine Drive West Vancouver 922-1414 On Dumdavae Beach NOVEMBER 19TH WINE TASTING DINNER INCLUDING t BEAUJOLAIS SCORE MEAL AND A i NOUVEAU WINES {95 Lunck, Brunch or Dinner Presen: this ad © your sezver. Nox valid with any other promotional offez. Guest validation. Oe ed ee (RRS Se RT A AE ASN OY SC ED AME CORE CEN OD SG, AG WW BS ES $49.95 E Use your coupon. Reservations 922-1414 a | rr | ian ANT MINE The NORTH SHORE A OS Wine Cellars PARK ROYAL 925-3663 PARK & TILFORD 988-2424 LONSDALE QUAYS 984-2583 features Daily Specials with : Le Beaujolais Nouveau from November 19th Reservations: Pies . 926-4913 1373 Marine D. West Van.