I’M pretty sure Tim’s going to kill me for this. Writing, as I am about to do, about a North Shore restaurant, when he is the undisputed North Shore News dining expert. But I can’t help myself. I have to share the fact that I’ve found this nifty little restaurant, and it’s right in my own back yard. Now don’t go jumping to the wrong conclusions, like I cat out al] the time at fancy places. Until I found this lit- tle spot, my regular dining haunts included Subway and - McDonald’s, both wonderful eateries to be sure. Clearly * !'m.no restaurant expert, but it’s not for lack of interest. It’s because I’ve got three kids, and those of you with kids will know that it’s pretty tough to justify spending your hard-earned money in a , Testaurant when a couple of boxes of KD will accomplish the task of satiating every- . kids’* stuff : From page 24. 23, at ‘the North Van City : Library. The featured country this mont: is Brazil: Pre-regis- ter: 980-4424... “FRIDAY ‘Drop -in Story ytime Fun: For 3-5-year-olds. Every Friday, at ‘ *10:30° a.m., at: the. West Van “Satur i ‘ id one’s hunger much faster and for a fraction of the cost. Because my kids are older now, and their father feeds them a couple of nights a week, I have the time (and because I'm working now) the money to treat myself every now and then to eat a meal out. And the last few times I've treated myself, it’s been at an Italian restaurant on Marine Drive and 16th in West Vancouver called Barolo. Some of you probably have nice restaurants chat you go to regularly, where the maitre d* knows you by + name and treats you as. though you are a guest in his Wa 12. Enjoy a weekend of old-fashioned family fun and entertainment which includes pony rides, a concession, craft exhibits, games and relays, dairy demonstrations, an opportunity to hand-milk .a goat, sunflower judging, colouring contest, fire safety house and more. Info: 929- ‘5610. Drop-in French Mevie: For all ages at the North Van City Library, 11 a.m. on the last ay of every month. Tintin’s: Le Crabe Aux Pinces Dor will be featured on Sept. ‘25: For more infermation call 980-4424. ‘umping Jacks: Saturday and Sn ay, Sept. 18 and 19. home. But all of this is new to me. There are no maitre d’s at McDonald’s or Subway, and I have to say, I really like the royal treat- ment. At Barolo, Piero, the handsome Italian fellow who greets me and ushers me to my table, asks me how my golf round was that day. He has, of course, spot- ted the saddle shocs I am wearing, and he’s sharp enough to remember a quick comment that [ made to him about a round of golf when I was at Barolo a few weeks back. His smile is genuine, his manner easy, and I’m almost convinced that there is, in fact, a man in existence who cares about my golf round. Talk about the direct route to this girl’s heart. The . man’s a genius. When my friend and I are seated at our tabie, Piero, who looks a bit like Antonio Banderas, hangs round to chat a little, and before. we North Vancouver . Muscum’s open house with games and activities from your school days. Enjoy hopscotch, jacks, marbles and crafts while lis- teniny to early radio shows of Superman's escapades, Free. 987-5618. French ‘for Fun Storytime: Drop in for ali ages at the North Van City Library; 9:30 or 11 a.m, starting Sepr. 11. Fer more information call 980-4424, Saturday Storytime: For 4- 8-year-olds, 10 a.m. at North Van City Library. To pre-reg- ister calf 980-4424. ; “ONGOING have even ordered wine, I'm slightly woozy from the smooth Italian accent he shrouds his near perfect English rendition of the night’s specials in. ‘The restaurant itself is buzzing quietly with the conversations of other patrons in various stages of dining, and the rich aromas that emanate from the open kitchen at the back of the restaurant make my mouth water. I've learned in the last few months, that I have to have a quick snack before I go to Barolo for dinner, or I'll embarrass myself by drooling over the array of Italian dishes that are being delivered to other smart din- ers as I mull over my dinner decisions. On this visit to Barolo, there’s a new employce flut- tering about. She is a viva- cious blonde named Kim, and before I know it, she’s making sure ?’m comfort- abie. Kids Zone: Thursday to Sunday, to Oct. 10 at Capilano Mall. From Sept. 9- 12 kids can enjoy 9-hole mini- “I can see that light is shining right in your cyes,” she sympathizes, and young Robert, equally as charming, is at our table in an Italian jiffy with a step ladder to adjust the halogen lights above the table. “Is thar bettcr?” she asks, and when I nod and thank her, she smiles, all pearly white tecth and dimples. I can tell she is the kind of girl who genuinely cares about making people happy. She is fresh and gracious as she swishes from table to table attending to patrons and giggling with the wait- ers. She carries around an old cheese grater for customers who want fresh parmesan, and she makes the act of grinding pepper look smooth, even though Barolo’s pepper grinder is the size and width of a large fence post. P’ve had a pretty stressful, week, but win 15 minutes or so of sitting down in this golf. Thu/Fri, 4-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 -a.m.-4:30: p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m. . —— Compiled by Sharon Cocomile cBC RAbIO“S Se ptember 15, . September t6.4t 65 little haven, } am torally relaxed, with a real feeling that I’m being taken care of, even pampered by the Barolo staff. And by the time I have feasted on the fresh focaccia bread and simply scrump- tious pasta I’ve chosen for my entree, I’m ready to kick off my shoes and curl up in my chair with my glass of wine. OK, I knew Pm carrying on here. But for somcone like me, inexpericnced to be sure in fine dining experi- ences and peaceful meals for that matter, being able to totally relax and enjoy a meal at a place like Barolo for a very reasonable price —_. (entrees average about $15) is like a gift from above. If you’re looking for a genuinely pleasant dining experience, go to Barole.: Just don’t blab about. it to everyone, OK? I'd like to. keep this little jewel: a secret. hu mpers@be.sympatico. cn Send in your. current’ event listings. Fax your event infor- mation to 985-2104 or e-mail ,