SCO Scoozami, 103-2232 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 921-2228. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Licensed to sell beer and - wine. Open for funch and dinner Monday to Friday; open for dinner on Saturday. Closed Sunday. Vegetarian options? A few. Take the kids or call a babysitter? You could do either. Menu for tonight: © Glass of Sumac Ridge Gewurztraminer ($7) © Garlic Prawns with tomato and basil ($7) ¢ Fettuccini with clams and white sauce ($10) © Grilled New York Steak ($15) © Sauteed Prawns with toma- to salsa ($14). NG lame excuse for ’ Tealian bistro cuisine here, diners. ‘ Seoozami is the real thing. Once you get ast the name, which might be a touch cute for the more . ‘|. serious-minded diner, you'll _ find some first-class Itatian- influenced dishes served at .. this compact West Vancouver pasta bar and "Up ‘until ril, the 2232 Matike Drive locale was home to Nino’s . ‘+ Mediterranean Cafe — AJ. ©: Azma’s cozy kabob and Persian food catcry. But a death in his family forced Azma to sell his restaurant and return to Iran. Too bad. Azma’s cafe was warm and welcoming. Its food and hospitality came from the heart. The good news, however, is that Azma has left his diner in good hands. Scoozami is the product. of Rob Elston, son of Keg and Cleaver co-founder Gary Elston, and gifted chef James Michael jack, late of U Giardino and the Five Sails restaurants. Together they have brougnt a touch of down- tewn bistro chic to the out- skirts of Dundarave Village: Nino's interior has been completely overhauled and upgraded. The new 40-seat bistro features an open kitchen amidships with a small southend wine and beer bar. The dining room is finished in deep teal and soft caramel “tones. There is discreet track north shore news _ CK PINING lighting and some interest- ing wall art. Scoozami also has an intimate southfacing patio that is ideal for taking in cruise ship departures and West Vancouver seaside highrise life. Platters of fresh red and yellow peppers and tomatoes provide serving counter colour. They also underscore Jack’s kitchen philosophy of keeping things fresh and simple. That philosophy, coupled with quality informality, is key to Scoozami’s persona. Both Elston and Jack were drawn to the idea of running a casual neighbour- hood bistro that boasted plenty of downtown urban polish without the down- town pressure. The two have arrived at the Scoozami state of mind from opposite ends of the dining industry spectrum: Jack from the exacting and ornate land of five-star $30- entrees; Elston from the loud and loose fand of sports bars and steak grills. But they are like-minded. when it comes to quality of _ dining experience. Scoozami, however, is still in its infancy. Service is uneven, but the restaurant’s core personality is positive and quality conscious, __ And Jack’s food is terrif- ic. It’s Italian at heart and SQUIRES COFFEE that heart beats with appro- priate Mediterranean pas- sien. Plates appeal to all the senses: good colour, enticing aromas, simple, yet interest- ing food combinations, engaging favours. A sampled Garlic Prawns appetizer was served with a saute of oil, lemon, garlic, chopped tomatoes ‘and fresh basil and served atop beet greens. Best consumed with a side plate of Scoozami’s grilled cheese focaccia bread. Other lighter dishes include soups ($4 to $5 — Roasted sweet pepper; Garden minestrone), salads ($6 — Classic Caesar; Mixed seasonal greens) and Jiaiian style Panini sandwiches ($8 — Classic, Chicken, Ham and Cheese, Vegetarian and Grilled Sausage). There is also a small pasta section ($9 to $11 — spaghetti, linguini, penne, fettuccini and rigatoni; sauce options include peste, roast- ed garlic marinara, curry) and a quartet of niain course entrees — $14 to $15 for roasted half chicken in citrus sauce, sauteed prawns with fresh tomato salsa, grilled B.C. salmon and grilled 8 oz. New York steak. Scoozami’s wine list is dead simple — a dozen options — but the selection is sure to develop with the restaurant. You can still get a decent Wednesday, July 14, 1999 — North Shore News — 27 zami, diners, here's a good new bisiro mendable considering the small wine list. The prawns were fol- lowed with a New York gargle of the grape by the glass to go with whatever vou order. Scoozami offers a half dozen options by the glass ($5 to $9), which is com- See Renovated page 28 Perr Teese sss bo | | BUFFE Tso” H Sun. & Mon. 5-8 P.M. . TUES.-THURS. o ! DINNER sca ems f purchase 1 entree at 5. . 1 See adeuea aor Lunch Moa-Fret India ‘dr Flavour -/ Geta Ht 175 €. 3rd St. N.Van. 98S-SATT Open bays Week ml 10pm pay e, | SUNDAY BRUNCH!!! & NOW OPEN FROM / . 10AM-2PM ald friendly coffee shop concept on the ¢ ner hasn't died, its just been reinvented. INTHE | "NEIGHBOURHOOD