Dining in Vancouver
Cibo
Executive chef Neil Taylor astutely prepares simple Italian fare that’s without pretentions. Have a seat, take in the refreshingly modern design of Cibo and enjoy a menu that takes advantage of BC’s seasonal produce. Rainbow chard ravioli, goat cheese and ricotta, green onion and butter is cooked to perfection. No fault can be found in the fresh spaghetti nero, Dungeness crab, chilies, garlic, fennel, wild oregano and lemon entrée. The hot apple and pear fritters dessert is one of the best ways to finish a meal. 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver, 604-602-9570
Vij’s
Reservations are recommended at this always-popular Indian-fusion restaurant. Followers flock to Vij’s to eat East-meets-West culinary mashups, such as prawns and halibut with black chickpeas in coconut-lemon curry. Even the cocktails are mixed with surprise twists – the Indian mojito is spiked with a touch of anise. Foodies who love what they taste can find many of the recipes in the restaurant’s award-winning cookbook, Vij’s: Elegant & Inspired Indian Cuisine. 1411 W 11th Avenue, Edmonton, 604-736-6664
Chambar
How could such a tiny country overlooked by France create some of the most comforting food and drink in the world – beer and fries? It’s beyond comprehension, but we’re glad that Belgian food is all the rave in Vancouver and thankful too for Chambar. Every night a loyal following pack this funky Belgian eatery to nosh on moule frites (translation: mussles and fries). There are three different flavors to try: Coquette (white wine, bacon, spring onions), Vin Blanc (white wine, celery, leaks and black pepper) and Congolaise (tomato coconut cream, smoked chili, lime and cilantro). The beer menu deserves mention too for its wide selection of blondes, triples and wheats. And because Belgium isn’t all about the beer, we suggest Chambar’s signature cocktails. The Famous Blue fig, an oven roasted fig steeped in a gin martini served with a side of Danish blue cheese, is a must-try. 562 Beatty Street, Vancouver, 604-879-7119.
SALT
In case you’ve been living under a rock, the food trend of 2009 is the charcuterie. Vancouver’s temple of cured meats is Salt, where diners basically assemble their own tasting plate based on an ever-changing daily menu. If you don’t know what you’re doing, Salt’s knowledgeable staff can help select meat from producers such as Oyama Sausage Co. and Moccia’s, or imported cheeses from Neal’s Yard in London, and Farmhouse Cheeses in Agassiz, to name a few producers. You can even add condiments, such as Guinness grainy mustard and Spanish Marcona almonds, to create great pairings with your cheese and meat selections. The wine menu, featuring mostly European wines, changes every Friday evening. 45 Blood Alley, Gastown, Vancouver, 604-633-1912.
BIN 941
Sure the space is small and the steel chairs may not be too comfortable, but the food at Bin 941 certainly compensates. Chef-owner Gord Martin works with local producers whenever possible to create a seasonal tapas menu. We ordered the crispy duck with potato pancetta hash and tuna tartare with shitake chow mein and soy lime sauce and barely had enough room sample the popular crab cakes. The wine list features an international selection of fermented grapes with and without skins. 941 Davie Street, Vancouver, 604-683-1206.
La Brasserie
Heralded as one of the 101 things to try in Vancouver before you die, the suckling pig at La Brasserie gets top marks. The pork is tender and juicy and served with perfect crackling. Being a French-German restaurant, expect all the traditional dishes like pork schnitzel, bratwurst, moule frites and an impressive beer list, along with some twists on classics, such as dijon glazed baby back ribs.
1091 Davie Street, Vancouver, 604.568.6499.
Japadog
Admittedly, Japadog isn’t a restaurant, but we’re sure that it’s only a matter of time before this well known hot dog stand located in front of Sutton Place finds a more permanent home. Fans queue up down the block to scarf down a Japadog made from prized Kurobuta pork, the Japanese version of Berkshire pork, and topped with all kinds of Asian condiments – nori, teriyaki sauce, miso sauce and fried onions. Don’t be put off by the long lineups, they move quite fast and celebrity watching is a frequent pastime. Corner of Burrard and Smithe Street in front of Sutton Place Hotel.
If you’re a vegetarian, you’re options are plenty at Nuba. The crispy cauliflower tossed with lemon and sea salt and served with tahini is a good Lebanese starter mezze to try before moving on to a grilled dish. Thankfully, most of the plates are imaginative, such as grilled chicken breast marinated in paprika, thyme, lemon and garlic confit. Our newest favourite, mjadra, combines organic green lentils and rice with onions and jalapeno peppers. 207 West Hastings Street, 604-688-1655.