Wine Diva Dines
Central,
Abigail's Party, Nu, Watermark, Quince, Cupcakes, Lolita's South of the Border
Cantina, Ocean Club, Ocean 6 Seventeen, Mistral, Salt, Beyond, Figmint,
Restaurant Connor Butler
November 2 2006
Restaurant Connor Butler-an amuse bouche
'Foodies' in Vancouver know the name-it seems to be a love/hate situation
when it comes to Connor but either way emotions seem to be evoked. In
mid-October Conner prepared a private dinner for a handful of Vancouver
journalists and wine people to introduce his food, his style and his larger than
life personality. The wine flowed, the food arrived and we all had a great, long
evening.
Wine Diva thinks Connor and his food have to
be experienced rather than explained so I will let a few photos do the talking
for me and wait until he officially opens so I can experience it all again!
Connor Butler's plan was to be ready for opening on November 1st. He plans to do
reservation only prix-fixe dinners-herbivore or omnivore-your call. Check out
his website and sample menus on line here:
Connor Butler
Melon
gelee, radish crème fraiche with seaweed caviar
photo-Cassandra Anderton
Napolean
with sheep chevre, olive tepanade, and topped with zucchini strips.
photo-Cassandra Anderton
Tapioca
sage gnocchi, chestnuts, buerre noisette topped with wild mushrooms.
photo-Cassandra Anderton
Restaurant Connor Butler
2145 Granville St (between 5th & 6th)
604-734-2145
September 22 2006
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
September 6
2006
Going Beyond
I was relieved to see the mass of bodies warming the foyer
at the Century Plaza on September 19th for the launch of Beyond.
We had stepped in early one evening a couple weeks earlier to see a gaggle of
staff chatting at the entrance obviously eagerly awaiting customers. In a place
the size of Beyond (seats 300 all in) you need to see bodies. But with the
amount of media at the launch and the effort put into the renovations (a
multi-million dollar reno of the entire hotel) I really hope to see this place
take off.
The lighting is subtle but extremely well designed, the decor is dark wood and
leather with a lot of 1970's retro shapes. Smartly, the space has been divided
into levels and sections that revolve around the central bar giving a suggestion
of intimacy. Polished stainless steel, granite and creamy fabric seats create
warmth with a very modern feel.
Wine Diva
wasn't able to try much, but we did share a snack of stix and dip-homemade
bread sticks with three tepanade style dips that was fun and yummy. The all
important wine list, done by local 'everything-wine' guru Jaime Cowan is nicely
done with some recognizable and some obscure labels.
I recommend you visit. Dress up, wear those new impossibly high heels you've
been dying to, fluff up your hair, gloss up your pout, grab your man or your
posse and be prepared to feel sexy...
Beyond Restaurant + Lounge
1015 Burrard Street
604-684-3437
7 days 6:30-midnight
www.beyondrestaurant.com
August 2006
Salt
Tasting Room
From
the moment it softly opened its doors on
July 18th
Wine Diva heard rave
reviews! Obviously, not one to pass up the opportunity for a cheese plate
WD
hiked up her skirt and wobbled down the cobblestone alley in search of Salt! It
was still early (about 5:30) so the path was well lit (so were the, er colorful
characters that inhabit Blood Alley).
Stop here.
A word of advice ladies, find a cab that will take you to the door.
But once inside the simple brilliance of the room and the concept is well,
simply brilliant. No kitchen. A cheese fridge with a glass door, prep area and a
sexy, shiny meat slicer. It feels a bit like a deli with each days offerings
chalked onto the blackboards around the industrial-minimalist room. Salt's decor
is concrete and metal with communal tables as well as the hot seats at
the bar where, through the glass divider you can watch your food being shaved,
cut and plated.
On the day we visited-after the mandatory kiss and greet from proud assistant
manager Jay Jones-we slid onto the sleek bar stools beside a fellow wine-peep.
With such a warm welcome, I knew I liked the place even before I looked at the
menu!
What's not to like when you have Jay Jones (formerly of Nu and West) picking the
wines, Chris Sterns (Lumiere) managing and concept artist Sean Heather ( Irish
Heather, Shebeen) at the helm?
The wine list changes constantly but when we were there, bubbles-Sumac Brut and
Batasiolo Moscato d'Asti, Sherry, Dr. Loosen Riesling, a Gruner Veltliner, as
well as some more obscure BC wines from Herder, Winchester and Tantalus were
some of the btg options.
Wine geek alert-All wine (some beer)...no cocktails!
The blackboard mocked me with its selections (it knew I was famished). For $15
you can choose 3 cheeses from the selection of 10 and 3 condiments (you
are the chef here) or choose 3 meats from the selection of 10 and 3
condiments.
If you want to mix and match-go ahead. 2 cheeses 1 meat, or 2 meats and 1 cheese
either way you get to choose your accoutrements.
On our visit the cheeses were: Oka, Poplar Grove Naramata Blue, Manchego,
Lincolnshire and St.Andre. The meats: corned beef, salami, hot sopressata and
kohlbasa. The condiments were apricots, Similkameen honeycomb, Marcona almonds,
mixed olives and cornichons.
Within an hour the place was hopping! We were having a blast, sampling sips and
nibbles from the simple menus-best of all it was cheap!
Vancouver...we have a winner!
Salt Tasting Room
Blood Alley
604-633-1912
Open daily from 4:30
www.salttastingroom.com
June 2006
Mistral
Opened nearly a year ago in the old Portabello location (which is re-opening
across from the new Joey's on Broadway btw) by Feenie's on West Broadway this
under-the-radar French Bistro is a quaint jewel.
A small 12-seat street front patio lures you but its the warm interior with it's
goldenrod sponged walls, warm wood, claret accents and terra tiled
floors, that charm you.
The prices are exceptional and 3 course prix-fixe lunch menus (four options)
start at $18 for the Menu Provence and work their way up to the Menu
French Tradition for $22
I started with the perfect Wine Diva
aperitif while I waited for my dining companion to arrive, a flute of the
Mistral Kir Royal (made with cherry liqueur) ($7.95)
When she arrived we had quite a time deciding what we were in the mood
for-everything looked so good. So, after much deliberation I started with the
Warm Chevre Salad on Olive Paste Toast with Mixed Greens ($8.50).
Next the
Traditional Niçoise-pancake thin-Onion
Tart with Glazed Onions and Niçoise Olives ($9)
which was perfectly paired with a glass of the immensely hard to find
Dirty Laundry 'Thread Bare' Gewurztraminer,2005 ($11) from the Okanagan.
My dining companion had raved about her French Onion Soup($6.50)-she
loved it's pale, delicate broth and chewy bread croutons topped with
stringy cheese and parmesan . She also appreciated (she was feeling a little
under the weather) her Mistral Beef Stew in Red Wine ($15) although she
was so full she was unable to eat her side of home-made chickpea cakes (they
look like fat frites).
Never too full for desert we shared a slice of Lemon Tart with drizzled
raspberry sauce and topped with delicate, pink raspberry infused whipping
cream-dreamy.
A lovely lunch experience.
A well-thought wine list, cozy bistro ambience and exceptional service make this
a must return!
2585 West Broadway
604-733-0046
www.mistralbistro.ca
May 2006
Sanafir
What you haven't been to check
it out yet? You must be one of the few.
Can I make a suggestion? Make a reso or be prepared to come early and sit at the
bar. Not a bad idea actually, which is what
Wine Diva
did on a recent warm June Saturday evening.
What can I say about Sanafir? Possibly the sexiest room to hit Vancouver
yet, with mile high ceilings, exotic decor and chandeliers (that would look
great in WD's
ears). It would be remiss not to mention the, communal tables marble, the gilt
painting and sheer drapery that bring to mind Arabian Nights
Order your tapas trio from an intriguing rolled papyrus menu.
You choose your sample platter by genus (chicken, lamb, scallop, tuna, beef,
prawn, pork, vegetarian) and your species of choice comes cooked three ways,
imaginatively delivered in three individual fist sized dishes set into a
designed wooden plank ($14.ea).
Interesting wine list-although I did mention (in a conversation prompted by
hunky bar guy J.W) that three Chardonnay's and not a rosé in sight of by the
glass offerings was bordering upon blasphemy.
But saying that Sanafir allows you to byow (bring your own wine) and
charges a corkage fee of $?
Sanafir means 'meeting place' in Arabic and that it is in a very upscale,
chic and impossibly hip way. The decadent upstairs bed-rooms are
separated by boldly hued silk drapes and tossed with matching cushions. Laying
on a bed in a restaurant has never appealed to me especially at a minimum
nominal fee of $500 but it must to some as
Wine Diva
has been hearing about it-lot's!
I really enjoyed my evening at Sanafir. The room, the food, the libations and
the wonderful service was sweet.
One wonders though what happens when a room is far prettier than it's guests?
Sanafir
1026 Granville Street
open 5pm-1am seven days
www.sanafir.ca
Ocean 6 Seventeen
March 2006
Every so often I hesitate before passing along a little
Wine Diva secret. For instance, a gem of a wine that has limited
quantities or a cozy little joint with a bar and a great view. (except
everywhere I turned this month foodie critics was writing this little gem up).
Suddenly the gig was up, the secret out, there was nothing more to lose
I won't even pretend to have discovered Ocean 6 Seventeen, the cozy
little joint in reference, as they have been around for a year and a half and
doing quite well thank-you-very-much!
But on a recent Sunday morning we finally wandered in and were immediately
enchanted. I say finally because I have been running past this cozy
corner spot for years...literally. Ocean 6 Seventeen anchors
one end of the Stamps Landing block and Monk's anchors the other.
And to be fair, in the past several years this space changed names twice
before Ocean 6 Seventeen finally set up shop and did it right.
Could this be part of the reason for my delayed first visit?
Perhaps the thought of sitting down and indulging, on the same path that I
religiously force myself (gasping and wheezing) along in order to continue to
indulge-was also part of the reason?
Solution-sit facing the gorgeous view of Vancouver and the Stamps
Marina-backside to the treadmill WD calls
the seawall!
Easy.
Easier yet when you see this wonderful little room with its claret coloured
walls and rattan ceiling fans. Windows take up half the restaurant, the seats
are extremely comfortable and the tables are draped in white cloth. A
semi-circular bar takes up centre stage of this triangular shaped room, but its
the view that will draw your attention. Outside, a patio with seating for 20
(inside you can comfortably squeeze 36) sits just feet away from the marina.
When we wandered in we were unsure if we wanted breakfast, lunch or brunch.
Luckily Ocean 6 Seventeen covers all the bases for weekenders like us.
Salads, seafood, frittatas or benny's and sides along washed down with mimosa's,
beer or wine and to start a complimentary basket of home made pastries and
bread.
The food is 'Vancouver bistro', honest, delicious and artfully plated. Fresh
ingredients are simply prepared without heavy hand and towers of fuss.
On this particular Sunday we sampled a gorgeous spinach salad with apple chips
and dried berries, a spinach and artisan cheese eggs benny with roasted
Lyonnaise potatoes, a Kir Royale, Smoking Loon Viognier and Nk'Mip Pinot Noir.
All very reasonably priced.
I look forward to sitting on the patio on warm summer evenings with a glass of
chilled white and one of their artisan cheese plates.
Perhaps Wine Diva has finally found the
neighborhood haunt she's been whining about?
Ocean 6 Seventeen-617 Stamps Landing
604-879-6178
April 2006
Ocean Club
Every time a new restaurant opens there is a flurry of
press by local critics and writers.
Guess what, no change here!
So what if anything makes the O.C different?
Pssst, come closer….everybody seems to love
it!
Room-What’s not to like? Super sexy room, wood and
(finally someone who gets the lounge sofa design right) low-backed
banquette/sofas to lounge upon without your view of the room being impeded. And
man who is the brains behind this…there is more lounge than restaurant. More
bars and bar stools and banquette sofas than dining tables. Makes sense when you
want a place for people to come and hang!
I don’t know about you, but when casual Wine
Diva goes into a restaurant, I look for the lounge first. Why? I feel
like I can sit back and relax, enjoy a glass of wine and a bite without feeling
like I am sitting at a desk.
But back to the sexy O.C. It is both warm and
trendy with creamy-white seats, medium wood and soft lighting that we ladies
love. W.D loves the black and white photos along the east wall and barely
noticed the flat screen’s positioned above eye level around the restaurant.
That’s good design.
The girls have their banquettes and sexy lighting, the boys have their sports.
Food- We started off with an Amuse Bouche of Asparagus Soup topped with
cream foam and sweet preserved lemon…heavenly! We loved the Cinnamon Yam
fries ($6)and the twist orange anise oil on the boring old
Edamame ($7). We also loved the Baby Spinach Salad with
hazelnut crusted goat cheese ($10) although WD
thinks it should be called ‘Goat Cheese with Baby Spinach Salad’ (due to the
immense portion of Salt Spring Island Goat Cheese). Interesting that Managing
Partner André Thomas said he’s had complaints about the size of the salad. I
think it’s the amount of spinach they refer to because if these people knew the
quality and cost of the Salt Spring Goat cheese they surely wouldn’t be
complaining.
The cheese selection looks great too. Wine Diva
has noticed the thoughtful
cheese plate at savvy joints around town. Rather than pick 5 and plop them on a
platter, each cheese you choose is accompanied by a harmonious side, like;
Applewood Smoked Cheddar with cranberry compote or Triple Cream Brie with
balsamic strawberries. Yum.
Liquids- Wine Diva always analyzes the wine
list first.
It’s very good and approachable starting at $6.50 per glass.
Eleven whites btg (by-the-glass) include-Yalumba ‘Y’ Viognier, Dr.
Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling and Caymus Conundrum.
Eleven reds btg include- Penfolds ‘Thomas Hyland’ Cabernet, Pirramimma Petit
Verdot and Masi Valpolicella.
The btb (by-the-bottle) is even more impressive for wine lovers.
If the Wine Diva was able to hold the hard
stuff she would recommend a visit to the cocktail catalogue. Muddled Mixtures,
Martini’s, Champagne Cocktails, Single Malt’s or Tequila, whatever your poison,
you’ll find it here!
Service- I think we may have hit the jackpot (we just beat the Friday night
crowds) but we thought the service was spot on. This is not a white tablecloth
joint but the servers were very patient, polite and well trained. Spot on
actually, congenial and efficient, what more could a
Wine Diva
want?
www.theoceanclub.ca
Suite 105-100 Park Royal
West Vancouver
Central
envy
Spring 2006
The Wine Diva has often been heard
to lament the lack of a neighborhood haunt in her own little slice of lotusland.
Granville Island is right there, but often overrun with tourists (thank
goodness for that) and there are a few places up south Granville but what I am
longing for is a place on the corner. Like the bizarrely named corner pubs
London locals hang out at, or the cafés found in abundance around Paris. I want
my own little Cheers, where everyone knows my name. Somewhere I can sidle up to
the bar and have a glass of wine and a bite (if I feel) or not.
What I want is a Central….
Central, formerly the Brass Monkey which I am
ashamed to say I never visited, is recognizable from the two cheeky brass monkey
handles lingering on the front door.
I’m not sure of the previous décor, if perhaps, (like the cheeky
monkey’s swinging at the entrance) it was easier to just go with the status quo,
or if changes were made?
I do know that I like the room, it has options, and options are
important to a Wine Diva and are based upon
mood.
A decent sized bar to the right of the entrance, brighter window
seating at the front left (perfect for people watching) and banquette seating in
the rear, for two or 12. At the very back a raised platform with a roaring
fireplace anchors two lounge-y banquets perfect for a cozy foursome.
The room reminds me of a turn of the century bordello, with shades of
rich deep reds and metallic burnt umbers are the foundation for parlor lights
and antique photographs.
The wines by the glass are very affordable (although I would like to see
a couple more options each of red and white) and the well priced small plates
(tapas) are meant to be shared. Order the appetizer platter or go for individual
dishes like Smiling Buddah Wontons, Samosa Spring Rolls (a spring roll wrapper
stuffed with traditional samosa fillings of potatoes and peas) served with
sweet, chunky, chutney. Spicy Sweet Potato fFies to dip into creamy aioli or the
trio of dips served with herbed Middle Eastern bread are all great options. A
friend suggested the mussels (a Central signature dish) saying they were not
only delicious but a meal on their own.
The service has been spectacular on each visit, relaxed and unaffected,
quite chummy actually.
I really enjoy Central, and envy those who live nearby in the
west end. I know, I know, do not covet thy neighbor…but not even a little bit?
Central Bistro
1072 Denman @ Comox
604-689-4527
February 2006|
Abigail’s
Party…How
many times, she wondered, had the staff heard comparative comments from the
local yokels about (moderately) the transformation from Kit’s Beach darling,
Tangerine, to streamlined and sexy Abigail’s Party?
No
more cabana kitch and tiki cocktails and no more tofu on the menu.
The
Wine Diva was saddened to hear that
Tangerine was closing (the owners reinvented themselves at Habit
on Main Street) as it was friendly, fun and the food was always yummy and
inventive. But she was intrigued by the new name and by the encouraging reports
from her contacts.
No reservations accepted, along the lines of
Bin, Vij's
and Lolita’s so she wanted to arrive early
enough to be ensured a decent seat and boy was she early. The first one in the
door with her choice of seats in which to await her companion.
The
Wine Diva always loved this cozy shoebox sized room with its low
ceilings and four- seater bar, but with the new dark colours and minimalist
décor it was positively enchanting. Dark wood tables and seats, milk
chocolate micro-fiber seat cushions and flickering candles at every table made
Wine Diva
want to hunker down for the long-haul.
The service was
phenomenal the small plates inventive and made to share. For all the other
Wine Diva’s
out there a well thought out selection of wines (seven each),
red and white are available by the glass or bottle as well as a bubble by the
glass.
For the cocktail crowd there’s an enticing selection of ‘Abigail’s
Party Pleasers’.
We shared a Goat Cheese Pave-chevre wrapped in paper thin
potatoes, pan seared and stacked upon foccacia, served with a red wine and
hibiscus reduction and an entire head of garlic (which both my companion and I
nixed knowing we had to actually be in public for the next three days).
The
arugula, brie and wine soaked fig salad was also a winner, (next time I’ll try
the roasted beet salad), and a cheese plate with a spiced honey reduction,
sliced granny smith apple and foccacia bread was a nice finish.
The only
complaint was the spiced honey tasted burnt and the
Wine Diva’s
personal rant…thick bread with cheese. She likes to be able to
actually taste the cheese, water crackers, super-thin oven-toasted fruit bread
works or even super thin lavash.
All in…3 glasses of wine each, 3 shared plates over 3 hours of good company
and conversation was about $80 (pre-tip). Not bad at all, The
Wine Diva will return with new recruits to convert!
Abigail’s
Party 1685 Yew Street (at 1st Ave) 604-739-4677 no reservations
Evenings 5:30-2am Weekend Brunch 9am-2:30pm
www.abigailsparty.ca
Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina
Warm, inviting and cozy this tiny elbow-to-elbow dig
is my new secret craving. The Wine Diva
loves Mexican cuisine but sometimes finds the refried beans and heavy cheese
a bit-well, much. Not that what we generally see locally is all that
traditional, more Tex-mex and Cal-mex unless you know where to go for the real
thing.
Following the Bin
concept of no resos, first come first sit, owner Lila (your delightful
hostess and former Bin employee) is always on site, gracious and dynamic.
I dream of the pear and endive salad with pecans, pickled jalapenos and chipotle
vinaigrette…punchy! Start with the Guacamole Classico with frijoles dip-layerd
beans and guacamole topped with pickled red cabbage. The home made chips are
thick and sprinkled with spice. The taco’s (suggest you share) are ‘build your
own’ with either, steak, halibut, chicken or potatoes ragas and wild mushrooms,
and come with four had sized corn tortillas and plenty of rice and beans if you
are still hungry.
My compatriots in crime tried the corn chowder and waxed on
about its velvety goodness.
Love the house made sangria, white or red it’s
refreshing and well suited to the menu and beach-y environs.
Small but
serviceable wine list. Wine is served in small tumblers-not a favorite vessel
for the Wine Diva,
mostly because I see tumblers as water glasses and drink accordingly with great
speed and vigor.
Hmmm maybe that’s a brilliant plan on Lila’s part?
Lolita’s
1326 Davie Street (look for the surfboard sign)
604-696-9996
www.lolitasrestaurant.com
December 2005
Cupcakes on Denman- 24carrot cupcakes.
Every time I get a new
visitor into town I have to take them to this adorable and fantastical little
shop of cream-topped dreams with its
Wine-Diva-pink painted
walls.
As a child I would have thought I had died and gone to an idyllic
little girl heaven, seeing the assortment of colourful confections. I could
think of nothing better except living in a Gwen Stefani/Alice in Wonderland type
video or being little Cindy-Lou Who in Who-ville.
My favorite, the
24carrot is available in cake (order 48 hours ahead) or Cupcakes (min 12
order 24 hours in advance) and is rich and dense, chock full of carrot-y
goodness, walnuts, dried fruit and topped with ultra creamy cream cheese
frosting.
I dismissed the cake for my recent birthday, truth is known
I’m not a cake fan, but these cheery one-size-fits-most cupcakes suited just
fine. P.S if you are looking to bring me a tiny-ish gift, the
Wine Diva a perfectly, pink topped diva cupcake would not be refused.
Find it: Cupcakes 1116 Denman Street Vancouver 604-974-1300
Quince-hand crafted cuisine
I had a
Wine Diva eye on this space
for a couple of months watching as it slowly transformed itself from
Lesley Stowe’s old digs to a new and sexy somethin’-somthin’, shaded an
amazing chartreuse green and sporting an even sexier logo.
Quince.
Simple, exotic and kind of ‘South Beach’. The paper was finally peeled off the
windows a couple weeks ago giving me a real eyeful. An ultra-hip room splashed
with said chartreuse, lean and striking lighting, warmed up by gorgeous wood
tables and benches. A work in progress I'm sure as the room is still quite
hollow feeling. But I did notice the space was beginning to fill up with gourmet
products and designer sprouts growing out of modern table-planters.
Offerings- An ever changing selection of high quality, vacuum-sealed
take-out in the refrigerators include: Braised Lamb Shanks, Osso Bucco, Duck
Confit, Smoked Sable Fish, Ginger Carrot Soup, vegetarian antipasto, Chickpea
Ragout, Du Puy lentils.
Sauces, Dressings, Stocks, Condiments, and
Desserts
like White Chocolate Mousse, various Sabayon, Caramel
Sauces and Crème Anglaise. Or, buy the pastry to bake and fill, Pate Brisée or
Pate Sucre.
The Wine Diva popped in this
week to get a take out menu and see exactly what she could take home during this
important entertaining season called, ‘Christmas’. I spoke to a friendly young
man who told me that they also make their very own fresh bread on site, serve
lunch, and by the looks of the shiny new cappuccino machine on the counter,
café-au-lait and lattés as well.
The Quince website is not fully functioning
yet, but keep an eye on it for the upcoming classes and information or better
drop by while you’re in the ‘hood. Quince and owner chef/sommelier Andrea
Jefferson is in good company, a mere stones throw from Barbara-Jo’s and Les Amis
du Fromage.
An
important addition to the neighborhood, and catering to boot for all of the
business around the area.
Good Luck Quince!
www.quince.ca
1780 w 3rd Avenue (at Burrard) 604-731-4645
Sept/Oct. 2005
caffè sette espresso galleria- ‘Java by day. Martini by night’.
I’d never ventured into this prime piece of Vancouver real estate located on the
corner of Burrard and Robson back when it was Death by Chocolate, but on
a friend’s suggestion we met one sunny August afternoon for a cup of coffee. By
day it is a bright and airy room, windows front and side highlighting the cherry
red settees and amber lucite tables. It feels like a café at this time of the
day with the matching red espresso machine and the display case full of savoury
lunch bites, panini, salads, bruschetta and coffee treats from Death by
Chocolate. At night it turns into a groove lounge with a drink menu to
match, muddled drinks (all the rage these days), martinis and sexy margarita
fusions. They call themselves Vancouver’s first European espresso lounge and
host ‘Sette Sundays’
where they suggest you ‘join us on Sundays as we groove in style
to sexy house music on the turn tables’. If you are in the industry it is 15%
off menu items and there is free ‘Champagne’ for the ladies between 7-9pm and
draft beers are only $2.50 7-9pm. I can see this room being pretty sexy by
night, as you venture further into the restaurant, past the bar and settle into
the banquettes near the back, perfect soft lighting ladies, for all you
Wine-Diva's-in-training!
caffè Sette espresso galleria 818 Burrard Street 604-688-8234 www.caffesette.com
Watermark
Summer 2005
Watermark on Kits beach- If you haven’t been yet, the view
alone is worth the trip. There are comments and critiques’ flying north, south,
east and west about Watermark and everyone has an opinion. We'd been twice and
thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the third time was a strike out with three
hostesses standing around the desk gabbing, no clue what was going on in the
lounge. True, Watermark was still new, expectations high and kinks to be worked
out, like any new business.
Love the west coast design, where the focus in
on nature and the elements rather than sexy lighting and funky colours.
Watermark has broken it down to the basic elements, concrete, wood and metal.
The entire focus is on the beach, on the ocean and on the Pacific backdrop. The
small plates we all shared we nicely presented and tasty, the service was
friendly and quick. The room was rockin’ even in the afternoon when the rest of
the country complains we should still be working (eat your hearts out; this is
Vancouver after all where we work harder, not longer). My only decorative
complaint so far…bar stools, whose butt did they measure for those
stools…
an eight-year-olds?
Check out the lounge first, order a glass of wine (need more by-the-glass options please) and the smashed fava, chickpea and mint dip with flatbreads and check out the view. Personally this Wine Diva can’t wait for the stormy winter months, seated warm and cozy wrapped in one of the complimentary blankets watching the west coast waves crash in.
Watermark-1305 Arbutus (but if you don’t know where Kit’s beach is you need to get out more often) 604-738-5487 www.watermarkrestaurant.ca 7days 11am to 11pm
What's NU
summer 2005
Have you heard enough about the city’s favorite nu see-and-be-scenic hot spot?
Not until the Wine Diva has had her say you haven’t!
Love it or hate it décor, (everyone seems to be in one camp or the other) be it cruise ship, 1970’s airport lounge or retro Miami casino (I’ve heard it all and everyone has an opinion) the location and well priced menu will keep the glitterati coming back. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Vancouver's favorite bartender, the gorgeous-tattooed-bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold, Mr. Jay Jones was scooped from West and now takes up residence at the bar, front and centre! But none of this is news to all you hip Vancouverites so I need not wax on…but hey when I think about planting a Wine Diva seat at a bar, having a small nosh an a glass of wine or a cocktail the first place that springs to mind…Nu!
Nu naked+casual
1661 Granville Street (under
the bridge) 604-646-4668
www.whatisnu.com