October 5, 2006

Cover Story (Gobble Gobble)
BC Wine Reviews
International Sips (Tales from the Dark Side, Bringing Sexy Back)
Taste Bites (Figmint, Indispensable 'C', Kiwiberries)
Wine Diva-isms (Hilarious House of Frightenstein)

Taste Bites

A FIGMINT of Imagination

There does seem to be a dearth of sexy lounges on Wine Diva's side of the bridge. Over yonder here, in south Granville we acknowledge that Yaletown is the place for the uber lounge. So generally that's where we travel-its not far after all. But suddenly, in a nondescript hotel called the Plaza 500 on the corner of 12th and Cambie Street (yes Cambie) there's a reason to celebrate not crossing over to the other side.

Figmint.

Wine Diva made two trips last week. One mid-week to meet a wine-y girlfriend at the bar (I love to sit at the bar) where I chatted with the bartender as I waited for my girlfriend to arrive, he was friendly, attentive and very positive about the food, wine list (which is in really small print) and work-in-progress clientele.
We talked about the wine list-duh, and he mentioned that it (like the clientele) was developing. I liked the decor, a lot. Cool white bar and chairs with bolder cherry red lounge chairs and pinstriped fabric on the booth banquettes to tie it all together. Some of the lights are a bit 1970's for me (bringing back bad memories of my dad's shag rugs and red fireplace) but they aren't offensive.

On a second visit, it was a bit earlier in the evening and the sun hadn't set. My partner said it reminded him of Toronto's funky but cold YYZ-a concept resto-lounge developed by the owner of the popular Mercer Street grill. Unfortunately YYZ was born and died in the beginning of the 2000's. I don't necessarily agree with that comparison although Figmint does feel a bit like a sexy airport lounge. But the food certainly shuns the airport observation and once the sun sets the room gets much cozier.

Bites: Home made Potato Chips with an artichoke and truffle oil dip($8) were addictive, the Pomme Frites ($4) were as well, nicely crisp and just salty enough. Our friends had the Brochette Assiette-a combination platter of three brochette's (kebobs)-Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Sesame Ginger Beef and Red Pepper and Saffron Marinated Halibut($12) and loved them.
We had to arm wrestle a bit to order some of the items from the dining room menu (because we were seated in the lounge) but our insistence and sweet server made it happen.
The Twice Baked Gruyere Soufflé with Roasted Pears and Walnuts on a bed of Rocket($12) was nice but was harder to eat in a lounge chair as were the Asparagus pieces in Hollandaise ($5) which unfortunately got cold because I was yakking so much. There were several other items on the menu Wine Diva missed trying but have no fear...She will return.

Figmint Restaurant & Lounge
500 West 12th @ Cambie
604-875-3312
www.figmintrestuarant.com

Necessary Objects

Indispensable 'C'

The tin lasts me a year but the Smoked Sea Salt Flakes from 'C' Contemporary Ocean Products are an indispensable part of Wine Diva's kitchen. A pinch of these aromatic smoked flakes on top of virtually any dish from grilled foods and fresh veg to cheeses makes the flavours go 'pow'!

60g tin $9-$11 at Edible BC-in the Granville Island Public Market and specialty foods stores. Made in Vancouver

Langford Petals Garden Bars

You may have tried the tasty Langford 'Petals' Shortbread last season ( Wine Diva had some at Christmas) but this year Langford has come out with a wheat-free Garden Bar reminiscent of a cross between a granola bar and a childhood dream puffed-wheat cake. A "Delicious blend of buckwheat, rice, seeds, honey, fruits and edible flowers". The one pictured here is Mocha Supreme-Rich Espresso and White Chocolate. They also come in other yummy flavours such as Triple Berry and Tropical Medley.
Not sweet, just comforting and wholesome.
170g box approx. $7.95 at Edible BC-in the Granville Island Public Market and specialty foods stores. Made in Langley BC.
www.langfordfoods.com

Name that Kiwiberry

They are a nice touch to a cheese plate or just a curiosity.
Wine Diva discovered these Kiwiberries recently at Granville Island Public Market.
Cute.
Tastes like a gooseberry with a hint of kiwi flavour...
Sauvignon Blanc anyone?

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October 5, 2006