Posts Tagged ‘Ocean Wise’

WEST

January 29th, 2012 admin

2881 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-738-8938

Web: http://www.westrestaurant.com/

Twitter: @westrestaurant

Advice: Be adventurous, try some of the Elements dishes or have the multi-course tasting menu.

Since Chef Quang Dang is on my top chefs to watch in 2012, I just had drop in for dinner to try his new Elements menu that I had heard was recently launched. I hadn’t eaten at West in over 6 years and was due for a return visit. This wasn’t any ordinary visit this was gastronomic heaven. The Elements menu is made up of 4 sections if you will, from sea, starch, pasture and vegetable and it makes for simpler dining, if you are dining solo or dining with friend as I did, you can experience so many more dishes and flavours by ordering a few of these and a few of those without having to follow the routine of ordering appetizers, entrees and desserts. Gerry and I did mix it up a bit, ordering some dishes off the Elements menu and others from the regular menu.

house baked rolls

Amuse

To begin we were served a complimentary plate of house baked rolls and an amuse arrived to the table to whet our palates.

Charred Vancouver Island Octopus

Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon

Marinated Scallops

Albacore Tuna

To start we had 4 dishes off the #elements menu – Charred Vancouver Island Octopus ($11.50) with Barigoule Vinaigrette followed by the exquisite Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon ($11) mountain berry cured, Ikura; then the Marinated Scallops ($5.50) with Granville Island sake and lime emulsion followed by the Albacore Tuna ($9) with ponzu gel and shiso.

“The Float” Tenderloin Soup

Chef Quang Dang surprised with a dish not yet on the menu to see our reaction, it was a brilliant idea and was delicious. “The Float” Tenderloin Soup cooked as served at the table, with dried rice noodles.

Cauliflower Soup

Hand Picked Biodynamic Greens

I then had the delicious Cauliflower Soup ($13) with wild salmon caviar, crème fraiche, truffled croutons and chives; while Gerry had the Hand Picked Biodynamic Greens ($12) with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Forraged Mushrooms

Honey Mussels

Chick Pea Croquettes

Gnocchi

Overnight Braised Short Ribs

North Arm Farm Beets

 

Brussel Sprouts

Next we had another 7 dishes off the #elements menu, starting with unique in presentation and flavour, Forraged Mushrooms ($11) ‘en Papillote’ thyme and confit Garlic; along with the outstanding Honey Mussels ($2.50 each) crispy stuffed mussels with spinach and lemon puree; Chick Pea Croquettes ($9) with mint dill yogurt. Then the outstanding Gnocchi ($18) with sage brown butter and parmesan; along with the tender and flavourful Overnight Braised Short Ribs ($14) with red onion marmalade; with the North Arm Farm Beets ($8) with hazelnuts and parsley pistou; and the Brussel Sprouts ($9) with shallot crumble.

Pineapple Brioche Tartin

Chocolate Tasting

For dessert, Gerry had the Pineapple Brioche Tartin ($13) with coconut macaroon Ice Cream and I had the heavenly Chocolate Tasting ($14.50) it was 3 individual desserts in one, warm Chocolate Cake filled Profiterole and toasted cocoa meringue; Raspberry Chocolate Almond Cake with milk chocolate semi freddo and a 75% Chocolate Ganache with raspberry compote and ice cream.

Ginger Chocolate Truffles

For the perfect ending to our outstanding dinner we were served Ginger Chocolate Truffles, a sweet finish!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in South Granville Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

CORK & FIN

December 24th, 2011 admin

221 Carrall Street  Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-2215

Web: http://corkandfin.ca/

Twitter: @corkandfin

Advice: Have the Chef’s Tasting menu.

As we all know it’s often difficult to eat at every new restaurant that opens in our food loving city, often we miss those gems that we should have visited much earlier on. It took me close to a year to visit Cork & Fin, Juliane Siu joined me for dinner, she won the SFU Marketers Night contest awarding her dinner with me. We both had the multi-course Chefs Tasting Menu ($50 per person or $75 per person with the wine pairings) that was prepared by Chef Elliott Hashimoto, I had the wine pairings and Juliane had the non-alcoholic pairings that were prepared for her by Doug Stephen to match each course.

Amuse Bouche Oyster & Crab

Ahi Tuna Carpaccio

To begin our meal, the Amuse Bouche Oyster & Crab paired with Pasqua Prosecco, Italy, NV for me and Yuzu-ade for Juliane. For our second course we had the most unique presented and delicious Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, truffle aioli, micro greens, crouton paired with the Teillery Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2010 and Virgin Pamplemousse for Juliane.

Lobster Bisque

Grappa & Lemon Granite

For our third course we were served the delicious and light tasting Lobster Bisque with lobster meat, chive cream paired with the Laughing Stock Chardonnay, Naramata, 2009 for and Iced Earl Grey Latte for Juliane. For our fourth course which was the Intermezzo I was served the Grappa & Lemon Granite and Juliane was served the same without the Grappa.

Sabelfish ‘Toro’

Short-Ribs

For our fifth course, the melt in our mouth Sabelfish ‘Toro’. Maple glazed daikon & carrots paired with the 8th Generation Pinot Noir Okanagan, 2010 for me and the Chamomile Sour for Juliane.  For our sixth course, the crispy braised Short-Ribs, pommes fondant, caramelized onion jus paired with Plan Pegau, Rhone Valley, France, Lot #2009 for me and Smoked Cassis for Juliane.

Chocolate Truffles

To finish our amazing meal, for our seventh course, house made Chocolate Truffles paired with the La Frenz vintage port Shiraz, 2010 for me and the Hot Dark Chocolate for Juliane.

I loved the exposed bricked room, and wonderful music playing in the background, and the gracious service. Aside from the Chefs Tasting Menu, they also have quite an extensive seafood selection, oysters, fish and meats as well as an impressive wine list.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Gastown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

2011 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown

November 24th, 2011 admin

Local Lounge Chefs team WINNERS

The 4th Annual Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown was a huge success at a great event hosted by the Vancouver Aquarium on November 23rd. This event saw a packed house sampling many or all of the twelve chowders from BC’s top twelve Ocean Wise restaurants from around the Vancouver, and the Okanagan, all of the chowders were paired with BC brews and the suggested beers were listed along each of the restaurants chowders.

Local Lounge- 1st place Winner - “Smoked Outlandish Oyster Chowder”

Judges voted: 2011 Chowder Chowdown Champion Local lounge Chef Paul Cecconi for his “Smoked Outlandish Oyster Chowder”

Best Oceanwise Chowder and Beer Pairing was awarded to Chef Ned Bell of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Chef Ned Bell of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver "Smoked Black Cod and Gala Apple Chowder"

Driftwood Beer pouring their Farmhand Ale

Best Oceanwise Chowder and Beer Pairing was awarded to Chef Ned Bell of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver & Driftwood Beer Farmhand Ale!

Since I have been to this event in 2009 and 2010, I noticed that the 2011 event had a much better layout than in previous years for easier mingling, however, the serving bowls were wider and better last year. I sampled my way through all the 12 chowders and these are MY favourite chowders.

My Vancouver Foodster Top Picks

My 1st Place: Chef Paul Cecconi of Local lounge for his “Smoked Outlandish Oyster Chowder”

My 2nd Place: Chef Chris Whittaker of O’Douls’s Restaurant for his “McLoughlin & Steele Whiskey Cured Bacon & Dungenous Crab Chowder”

My 3rd Place: Chef Ned Bell of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver “Smoked Black Cod and Gala Apple Chowder”

Participating restaurants: COAST Restaurant, Codfather’s Market, Edible Canada, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver,  Hapa Izakaya, Local Lounge, Noodle Box, O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA), Sunset Bay Yacht Group, Westward Ho! Public House, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

O’Douls's Restaurant "McLoughlin & Steele Whiskey Cured Bacon & Dungenous Crab Chowder"

Red Truck Beer

Chef Jenn Dodd (L) of Edible at the Market

Lighthouse Beer

Ocean Wise is a program that was launched by the Vancouver Aquarium in 2005 to educate consumers on ocean-friendly seafood choices, this local initiative has become a national program, learn more at www.oceanwise.ca

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Competitions, Latest Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

DIVA AT THE MET

November 18th, 2011 admin

645 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC

Tel: 604-602-7788

http://www.metropolitan.com/diva/about_diva.htm

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Offers tasting menus. Located inside the Metropolitan Hotel.

Over the years I had dined on weekend breakfasts at Diva, a couple weeks ago I followed one of my favourite chefs to his new abode for dinner. Executive Chef Hamid Salimian is a master of artistry and creation and his Tasting Menus are always an enchanting experience.

Black Olive Marshmallow

Cotton Candy Pizza

Piggy Puffs

Baked Potato and Chives

To start some snacks, each snack beautifully showcased, Black Olive Marshmallow, followed by Cotton Candy Pizza, followed by Piggy Puffs and then a Baked Potato and Chives.

Carbonated Grapefruit

To refresh the palate, Carbonated Grapefruit reminded me of Pop Rocks!

Sturgeon with house made salmon caviar and ash scallop

Tuna and Dungenous Crab Cannelloni

Beef Tartare

Fois Gras with fig molasses

Brioche

Next was the Sturgeon with house made salmon caviar and ash scallop followed by the Tuna and Dungenous Crab Cannelloni, next was the Beef Tartare (which was actually cooked) topped with beef tongue powder. Each dish had unique flavours, the next dish was the outstanding Fois Gras with fig molasses with pickled green strawberries and walnuts, with their housemade brioche.

Roasted Chantrelle Mushrooms

Ling cod with eggplant stew

Fesenjoon

Duo of Lamb

Next was exquisite Roasted Chantrelle Mushrooms followed by the delicious Ling cod with eggplant stew, squid noodles and chips. Next was Fesenjoon (Persian specialty)  duck, pomegranate, kale, Muscovy nuts followed by the Duo of Lamb with a study of Pemberton carrots with a Balsamic Lamb Jus.

Slow cooked Apple, yam pudding & Gingerbread cake, maple cotton candy

For dessert, Slow cooked Apple, yam pudding & Gingerbread cake, maple cotton candy.

Chef Hamid is one of those extraordinary chefs whose cuisine should be experienced in fine dining style!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

FRAY ON FRASER

November 2nd, 2011 admin

3980 Fraser Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-3317

Web: http://fray.me/our-menu/

Twitter: @Frayonfraser

Advice: Colouring pencils at each table for kids or adults to colour away a great added touch.

This is one of those not so ordinary places that I am happy is just that. Last week my friend and fellow writer Cassandra Anderton joined me for dinner where we were happy to find a creative, passionate chef who supports local farms on the east side. Chef Antonio Martin has created a fresh, flavour focussed menu with dishes chock full of local farm grown veggies and other local fare.

Portobello Fries

F-Bombs

To start we both shared the addicting Portobello Fries ($8.95) A Jenga tower of breaded mushroom fingers, fried and served with truffle aioli; we then shared their F-Bombs ($7.95) a variation on Devils on Horseback, this is a share plate of Fraser Valley bacon-wrapped fresh figs with a balsamic reduction.

Lamb Pasta

Vegetarian’s Delight

For our Mains, we shared both the outstanding Lamb Pasta ($17.95) Braised lamb with vegetables on fresh tagliatelle that was full of flavour, as well as the ever so tasty Vegetarian’s Delight ($10.95) fresh market vegetables roasted and served on a bed of the most delicious cauliflower cous cous with chick peas and a curry vinaigrette. Although they list the Vegetarian’s Delight as one of their mains we both thought it would be better off being a side dish for two to share.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Banana Spring Roll

For dessert, we shared the delicious and simple home-made Vanilla Bean ice cream ($4) with extra virgin olive oil and maldan salt; along with the Banana Spring Roll ($6.95) Served with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and local fireweed honey.

Looking forward to my next visit which will be for Brunch, must try their French Canadian Toast!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Eastside, Latest Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Fall Menu Tasting at Earls

October 13th, 2011 admin

Last week I was invited to Earls for dinner to taste some of Product Development Chef Reuben Major’s new dishes on their fall menu! All of the dishes in the 5 course tasting menu were new additions.

Potato Leek Soup

1st dish:

Potato Leek Soup | leeks, potatoes and bacon simmered with fresh cream

Albacore Tuna Poke Nachos

2nd dish:

Albacore Tuna Poke Nachos | crisp togarashi wontons, tuna, cucumber, avocado and tomato poke, spicy mango coulis, sliced serranos, crushed macadamia nuts.

Maple Glazed Salmon Salad

3rd dish:

Maple Glazed Salmon Salad | green beans, warm butternut squash, farro, goat cheese, organic greens and spinach, dried cranberries, salted pumpkin seeds, lemon honey viniagrette, maple butter glazed salmon.

Gnocchi with Italian Rose Sauce

4th dish:

Gnocchi with Italian Rose Sauce | hand made potato gnocchi,  San Marzano tomato cream sauce, burrata cheese, fresh basil

Warm Banana Chocolate Cake

5th dish:

Warm Banana Chocolate Cake caramelized bananas, chocolate rum cake, banana creme anglaise, caramel walnut gelato

I was quite impressed with these new dishes, all were good, the standout savoury dish goes to the Ocean Wise-certified Albacore Tuna Poke Nachos a twist on the pub classic featuring crisp togarashi wontons and spicy mango coulis, plus a dose of Hawaiian sensibility (cue crushed macadamia nuts); along with the dessert which was another standout, note that this Warm Banana Chocolate Cake will not be available at their Canadian locations until January 2012. Most of these dishes are now available at Earl’s locations around Vancouver as well as their 60-plus locations across Canada and the United States.

For locations and their complete fall menu visit www.earls.ca

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , No Comments »

Chef Meets Grape

September 23rd, 2011 admin

Chef Ned Bell of the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Last night I attended Chef meets Grape, the largest annual celebration of BC VQA wines and local food with 75 BC wineries sharing their new fall releases, delectably paired with inspired dishes from 12 top Ocean Wise partner restaurants.

Each of the twelve restaurants, renowned for their delectable wine and food pairings, each created appetizer-sized portions of a dish using BC ingredients, paired with their selected BC VQA wine.

YEW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver "Salmon 3 Ways" & Painted Rock Chardonnay 2009.

I sampled all the dishes tasting my way around the room and my favourite and most impressive dish was “Salmon 3 Ways” created by Chef Ned Bell and his team from YEW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver which was perfectly paired with the Painted Rock Chardonnay 2009.

Fraiche with their Confit: Thiessen Farms Pheasant & Wild Mushroom Tart paired with Laughing Stock Portfolio 2008

Miradoro with his Angus Beef Meatball paired with Tinhorn Creek Oldfield series Merlot 2008

O’Doul’s with his Pinot Noir cured Pacific Provider Wild Pink Salmon paired with Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2009

The other dishes that I enjoyed the most were Chef Jefferson Alvarez of Fraiche with their Confit: Thiessen Farms Pheasant & Wild Mushroom Tart paired with Laughing Stock Portfolio 2008; along with Chef Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro with his Angus Beef Meatball paired with Tinhorn Creek Oldfield series Merlot 2008; along with Chef Chris Whittaker of O’Doul’s with his Pinot Noir cured Pacific Provider Wild Pink Salmon paired with Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2009.

Ethical Bean's Emily Sproule and their Chocolate Toffee Explosion Donuts

Guests were able to taste over 250 award-winning Wines of British Columbia, as well as treat themselves to Apple Pie Ice Cream cones from Miradoro, chocolates from Daniel Chocolate Belge along with Fair Trade Donuts and Coffee from Ethical Bean.

Organized by the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI), ChefmeetsGrape is proud to support the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise program, the event was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Food & Wine Events, Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ChefmeetsGrape September 22

September 7th, 2011 admin

ChefmeetsGrape, the largest annual celebration of BC VQA wines and local food, is once again coming to Vancouver! On Thursday, September 22, 75 BC wineries will be sharing their new fall releases, delectably paired with inspired dishes from 12 top Ocean Wise partner restaurants.

This year, guests will enjoy wines from all of British Columbia’s five designated viticultural areas and sample dishes from top chefs from Vancouver, Whistler and the Okanagan. The twelve restaurants in this year’s event, renowned for their delectable wine and food pairings, will compete for the honour of “Judges Choice”, as they each create appetizer-sized portions of a dish using BC ingredients, paired with their selected BC VQA wine. New this year is a critic’s choice raw bar (sponsored by the BC Shellfish Growers Association) featuring wine pairings from top BC wine writers and sommeliers.

With over 250 award-winning Wines of British Columbia, 12 mouth-watering dishes, and the critics’ choice raw bar, this is truly an evening you and your tastebuds will never forget!

Organized by the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI), ChefmeetsGrape is proud to support the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise program with 10% of all proceeds going towards their vital conservation efforts. Tickets are $85 (plus HST & s/c), and available through Tickets Tonight at ticketstonight.ca or by phone (604-684-2787).

For up-to-date event details, visit winebc.com.

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