Posts Tagged ‘French’

BACCHUS BISTRO

1064 – 216th Street, Langley, BC

Tel: 604-530-9694

Web: http://www.domainedechaberton.com/Bacchus%20Bistro.html

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Both lunch and dinner are served here, reservations are suggested, on a sunny day request a table on the patio.

After touring the Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, my friend Nikki and I were seated on the outside patio overlooking the picturesque vineyard.

complimentary basket of fresh baked bread and butter

This is a French bistro that is in a country like setting with wonderful service in a well-appointed room, patio dining on a sunny day is spectacular.

Bacchus Salad

Tomato & Mesclun

Sautéed Prawns à l'Andalouse

Tomato and Brie Tart

To Start, Nikki had the Bacchus Salad ($10.95) thin slices of smoked salmon over mixed greens with a Rémoulade sauce and I had the Tomato & Mesclun ($7.95) marinated tomatoes and mixed greens tossed with a grainy mustard and sherry vinaigrette. We both then shared the outstanding Sautéed Prawns à l’Andalouse ($11.95) served in a spicy tomato confit sauce with garlic aioli and pistou crostini along with the Tomato and Brie Tart ($9.95) crisp pastry with vine ripened tomatoes and double cream brie with a drizzle of pistou.

Ruby Trout Filet

Braised Boneless Short Ribs

Sour Cream Potatoes

For our Mains, I had the tasty Ruby Trout Filet ($24.95) served on a bed of braised cabbage with white wine, tomatoes and Nikki had the delicious Braised Boneless Short Ribs ($24.95) slow cooked in white wine and tomatoes with olives and mushrooms; we both shared the side dish of potatoes that were smothered in buttery sour cream.

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Chocolate Mousse

To end our delightful dinner we shared a couple of Desserts, the delish Strawberry Upside Down Cake ($6.95) with vanilla ice cream and the Chocolate Mousse ($6.95) a rich Belgian chocolate mousse with a hazelnut praline croustillant

Review By: Richard Wolak

TABLEAU

1181 Melville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-639-8692

Web: http://tableaubarbistro.com/

Twitter: @tableaubistro

Advice: Try to get a banquette seat in front of the bar for best people watching or sit outside on the patio. Located inside the Loden Hotel.

The Moonlight Cocktail

Polynesian

Starting out the meal with some cocktails to refresh the palate, my friend Ajay had The Moonlight Cocktail ($11) while I had the refreshing Polynesian ($11) with rum, house made falernum, tropical juices, dash of pernod.

Braised Veal Ravioli

Mushrooms on Toast

Spot Prawn Cocktail

Taking our top notch server Ryan’s suggestions we began our dinner with the delicious Braised Veal Ravioli ($12) tomato sauce, padano cheese; and then the phenomenal Mushrooms on Toast ($10) creamy mushrooms & herbs. Ajay was craving Spot Prawns so he indulged in the Spot Prawn Cocktail ($16).

Beef Short Ribs

Frittes

Braised Veal Shank

For our mains I had the delicious and large Beef Short Ribs ($20) bbq sauce & creamy coleslaw and yummy frites; and Ajay had the Braised Veal Shank ($25) with creamy polenta, rapini, citrus herb gremolat.

Ice Cream Sundae

Chocolate Mousse

The beautiful room by local interior designer Franco Avignoni has already become a people watchers paradise, he has blended old world classic bistro elements such as custom brasses, solid wood panelling, marble and leather banquettes with original “pop art” elements including an upside down pool in the ceiling, its modern and dynamic.

Review By: Richard Wolak

LA BELLE AUBERGE

 

4856 48 Avenue, Ladner, BC

Tel: 604-946-7717

Web: http://www.labelleauberge.com/

Twitter: @labelleauberge

Advice: Closed Sunday and Monday. Check their website for cooking classes on offer.

I have always longed to visit La Belle Auberge known as one of the top restaurants in this area if not the country. Chef Bruno Marti founded this restaurant over 31 years ago and is still serving fine French cuisine to this day. While I was in to interview Chef Bruno Marti, I was also treated to a wonderful meal in his dining room along with a walk through the kitchen to meet the other chefs including Chef Tobias Macdonald who is one of the masters of the kitchen.

House cured and Smoked Salmon

Pan Seared Crab Cake

Prawns in a veloute

Roasted Chicken

Frozen Grand Marnier Souffle

To start I had the House cured and Smoked Salmon to tempt my palate, the next dish was the Pan Seared Crab Cake which was then followed by the delectable Prawns in a Veloute. The next course was the delicious Roasted Chicken with an enormous selection of spring vegetables and potatoes. To finish this outstanding meal, the last course Frozen Grand Marnier Souffle!

The dining room is exquisite and classy, and the food is well presented. The restaurant is located in a quaint neighbourhood south of the Fraser River and is the ideal place to dine if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Tableau Bar Bistro Opening

Executive Chef - Marc-Andre Choquette

Last night I attended the opening party for Tableau Bar Bistro, that opens today connected to the Loden Hotel on Melville in downtown Vancouver.

The beautiful room by local interior designer Franco Avignoni is going to become a people watchers paradise, he has blended old world classic bistro elements such as custom brasses, solid wood panelling, marble and leather banquettes with original “pop art” elements, its modern and dynamic.

Prawn Cocktails

Mini Beef Burgers

As guests arrived, cocktails along with white and red wine were served, then came delicious appetizers such as the Prawn Cocktail in a cucumber mini-cup, Mini Beef Burgers, Cheeses and Charcuterie along with a tasty roasted nut mix. Servers passed around a variety of dishes, my favourites of the night were the French Onion Soup, Mini Beef Burgers and the Lamb Chops!

Cheeses and Charcuterie

Lamb Chops

Chocolate Profiteroles

The menu is French-inspired, has a beautiful outdoor patio, private dining room and a large event space.

Tableau Bar Bistro serves brunch, lunch, dinner daily, located at 1181 Melville Street in Vancouver and online at www.TableauBarBistro.com , phone 604-639-8692.

By: Richard Wolak

FLEURI RESTAURANT

845 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-642-2900

Web: http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/Restaurant_Bar.htm

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Prix-Fixe lunch on offer.

Simple Salad

Steelhead Loin

Creme Brulee Dessert

The room is elegant, and quite Parisian, and the Executive Chef Michael Deutsch is a chef who is innovative and creative. I have dined here many times over the years, lunched here recently to savour some of Executive Chef Michael Deutsch’s dishes. I began with their Simple Salad ($8) an assortment of greens and citrus dressing, followed by the delicious Steelhead Loin ($24) curried sweet potato, abalone mushroom, white asparagus, & clam carbonara followed by a Creme Brulee dessert ($8) filled with orange crème brulee, vanilla crème brulee tart and orange gelee.

Michael is another chef who creates his dishes as beautiful works of art on a plate, the menu is westcoast focussed with a French flair.

Review By: Richard Wolak

FAUBERG

2156 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-266 2156

Web:  http://www.faubourg.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: The restaurant is located behind the café.

This Parisian caffe is the perfect addition to the Kerrisdale neighbourhood, I have been by a few times already and have enjoyed tasting some of their baked goods and most of all their coffee which is smooth and delicious.

You will find a French pâtisserie, bakery, cafe and restaurant all in one offering customers an exquisite selection of french pastries, buttery almond croissants, chocolate twists, pain au chocolat and sandwiches, along with an array of speciality coffee beverages. They also bake breads here including Campagne and Traditional baguette.

Chocolate Twist

Espresso Macchiato & Almond Croissant

I have had the Chocolate Twist ($2.55) a delicious pastry that was quite light, an Almond Croissant ($2.90) along with an Espresso Macchiato ($2.10). Next time I will visit for lunch in the dining room for one of their French specialty dishes and I would also like to visit for Afternoon Tea.

I could sit here all day long and people watch, each time in I have run into friends and if you stay awhile you will no doubt make new friends. The room is warm and inviting with a large seating area, the service was wonderful as well.

Review by: Richard Wolak

STEEVE RAYE PASTRY

2836 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 778.789.4455

Web: www.steeveraye-pastry.com

Advice: Go early for the breakfast pastries as they come out of the oven.

I love French pastry, since visiting the pastry shops in Paris and around France, I have always loved the aromas, and delicious array of sweets! As soon as I heard that this delightfully authentic French pastry shop in Kitsilano had opened, I was there.

Working in the fine tradition of French pâtisserie, Steeve offers customers an exquisite selection of fresh pastries, beverages and specialty lunch items. From delicate, buttery almond croissants, to sweet macarons and pain au chocolat, he showcases his unique flair and dedication to quality and authenticity.

Espresso & Orange Marmalade Vol-Au-Vent

On this visit, I had the Orange Marmalade Vol-Au-Vent ($2.55) a delicious pastry that was quite light with orange marmalade along with an Espresso ($2.25). Next time I will visit for lunch to try one of their sandwiches!

The room is warm and inviting with a large seating area, the service was wonderful as well. Steeve gained invaluable experience working in Michelin starred restaurants across Europe. His work along side such greats as Joël Robuchon in London and Olivier Bajard in Perpignan has provided Vancouver’s newest pastry chef with savoir-faire and an unwavering commitment to excellence, look for more sweet treats in the coming days.

Review by: Richard Wolak

LE GAVROCHE

1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-3924

Web: http://www.legavroche.ca/default.asp

Advice: Advance reservations a must.

Finally made it in for dinner to this ever so charming 2 story restaurant in a Victoria style house which has been cooking classic French for the past 30 years. The owner is a wine connoisseur with exquisite taste and you will find one of the most comprehensive wine lists in the city. On the food side, their menu is devoted to the classics and the other side is to creations and you can most certainly mix it up if you wish. Although I didn’t have it this time around the Caesar Salad is served table side and is one of their longstanding French classics.

Coquille St-Jacques

Duck Confit

Rack of Lamb

To begin after the Amuse Buche, I was served a delicious Coquille St-Jacques ($15) dry Vermouth this was then followed by Duck Confit ($15) pecan flour crusted, creole spices, spinach salad, Cassis sauce, and then Rack of Lamb ($39) Mustard Crusted, Mint Gnocchi, Rosemary Garlic Jus.

Okanagan Peach

The dessert selection has many classics as well such as their popular Crepes Suzette, I chose one of their creations instead and had the fresh Okanagan Peach ($8.50) vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, pineapple, and whipped cream.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Switch to our mobile site

echo get_option('motion_footer') . "\n";