1026 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-678-1049

Web: www.sanafir.ca

Twitter: @glowbal_group

Advice: Reserve one of the upstairs ‘beds’ for that special occasion.

I love this room with the high ceilings, motifs and Middle-Eastern decor. The kitchen is located towards the back with the long bar running along the side towards the front, sitting anywhere downstairs is ideal for enjoying the atmosphere and the ambiance. The menu boasts selections from along the Silk Route with an array of tastes with influences from Spain, Morocco, Egypt and India.

White Sand Cocktail

I had dinner here recently and had a tasting menu created by Chef Mike Robbins, I left it up to him to put together a tasting menu for me, it was what become a journey for my tastebuds.  I started off with the White Sand Cocktail ($9) created by the bartender to match the dishes that I was about to eat.

Falafel stuffed with beef shortrib,

Mediterranean Ribs

Grilled Octopus

The first dish was the Falafel stuffed with beef shortrib, on a bed of hummus; next was the yummy and tender Mediterranean Ribs ($7.50) olive oil, parmesan, espelette lime, crisp fried herb. A dish that I would not have thought to order was outstanding, Grilled Octopus ($7.50) crushed potato, mussels, chilies chorizo, cauliflower, olive oil.

Vindaloo Prawns

Egyptian Spiced Striploin

Moving on to the entrees, I had one of their Indian specialties the Vindaloo Prawns ($17.50) that came with mango chutney, cucumber raita and pappadum. Next was the delicious Egyptian Spiced Striploin ($20.50) cauliflower puree, roasted tomato & eggplant, madera jus  Chef Mike explained the meat was marinated for 24 hours in Onion water.

Cardamom baked yoghurt (l) & Flourless Chinese 5 Spice Chocolate Cake (r)

For dessert I had the light Cardamom baked yoghurt Okanagan fruit compote and the Flourless Chinese 5 Spice Chocolate Cake with a sweet red bean sauce.

Review by: Richard Wolak