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Posts Tagged ‘Spanish’

LIFT Bar and Grill

March 11th, 2013 admin

333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver

Tel: 604-689-5438

Web: http://liftbarandgrill.com/

Twitter: @Liftbarandgrill

Advice: Reservations suggested. Sit upstairs on the outside patio in season.

Chorizo & Patatas

Grilled Octopus & Basque sauce

Finding a culinary paradise in Coal Harbour, Lift recently got a lift when Chef Jefferson Alvarez took over the kitchen giving this restaurant a lift in Latin American and Spanish flavours. With its spectacular view of the harbour and mountains, the restaurant is featuring unique dishes that are full of flavour. Once seated I had the pleasure to peruse the offerings on their individual ipad menus which offered wine pairings with each of the courses, this is a clever idea for many that may not be versed in wine expertise. I began the meal with a couple of their bar snacks, the outstanding Chorizo & Patatas ($8) along with the Grilled Octopus & Basque sauce ($8).

Rice Crusted Scallops

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Bison Short Ribs

My dining partner and I then shared the Rice Crusted Scallops ($16) with a Uni Coconut Foam and Forbidden Rice, loved the crispness of outer scallops. This was followed by a couple of mains, the Wild Mushroom Risotto ($30) with Wild mushrooms, arborio rice, parmesan, and truffle oil was outstanding and perfectly done! The last dish was the Bison Short Ribs ($35) with seasonal vegetables. We added one side which was the outstanding Crispy Truffle Fries ($6) with truffle mayo in a cute basket.

Black Forest Liquid Dessert

Almond Chocolate Bar

Their dessert offerings are best when in the liquid form, we both loved the Black Forest Liquid Dessert ($11) with vanilla gelato, chambourd, Kahlua, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, Creme de Cacao followed by the Almond Chocolate Bar ($8) in a Delish Cardamon infused dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate parfait.

Visit soon and let Chef Jefferson Alvarez take you on a culinary journey through Latin America and Spain! I am looking forward to visiting again next time for brunch!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Coal Harbour Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ESPANA RESTAURANT

December 28th, 2012 admin

1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-4040

Web: www.espanarestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @espanayvr

Advice: Don’t go solo, best place to go with at least one or two friends and share some dishes. Open late nightly.

Crispy Chickpeas

Fennel & Orange Salad

I love everything Spanish and Espana took me and my friend Peter on a culinary adventure of flavours. Sharing is the way to go here and we ordered a selection of dishes from bar snacks to a salad, along with a couple vegetarian dishes and a couple of desserts. We began with the tasty Crispy Chickpeas ($4) hot and sweet paprika and mint; followed by the Fennel & Orange Salad ($7) with pomegranates, walnuts, watercress and manchego.

Crispy Goat’s Cheese

Patatas Bravas

The Crispy Squid

Next was the outstanding Crispy Goat’s Cheese ($8) with a hint of orange blossom honey, frisee and walnuts; followed by the Patatas Bravas ($6) fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli. The Crispy Squid ($10) with chili jam, yogurt and mint was superb and was the perfect ending as we moved from savoury to dessert.

Churros

Crema Catalana

I fell in love with the Churros ($8) having both of the sauces (you have to ask them to serve both sauces as it is usually served with your choice of one) and loving both dark hot chocolate sauce as well as the housemade yogurt and dulce de leche (mix this sauce at the table). Their version of Crema Catalana ($8) custard was similar to a crème brulee with a smooth flavour.

With Chef Neil Taylor who is one of the owners at the helm in the kitchen, you are in good hands so to speak. You’ll find a selection of fine Sherry’s as well as Port to go along with the Spanish tapas, toasts, cheese and cured meats and you can dine late into the night.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Westend Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

EL MATADOR

October 6th, 2012 admin

131 West Esplanade, North Vancouver

Tel: 604-770-1717

Web: http://www.elmatadorsocial.com/Menu.html

Twitter: @elMatadorsocial

Advice: Call ahead if you have a large party, share dishes with friends. Open nightly and open late. Located under the Starbucks with the entrance at the rear.

Fried Chickpeas

Salted Almonds with honey

Potted Roquefort and ricotta

Smoked Salmon Devilled Eggs

Specializing in Andalusian Tapas, this little known region of Spain shines bright with flavours of the region. The room is fairly small, dark wood, hand crafted décor and a well thought out menu of tapas and drinks. My friend Ajay Masala Puri joined me to taste our way through the menu, all the dishes are $5 each which makes it easy to order a few or order more and share with friends. To start we shared the Fried Chickpeas, Salted Almonds with honey, Potted Roquefort and ricotta and the Smoked Salmon Devilled Eggs from the Cold Tapas selections.

Chorizo Tapa

Patas Bravas

Spicy Shrimp in sherry

Grilled Goats Cheese with salsa fresco

Spicy and Baked Chicken Wings

Tiny Meatballs in sauce

Next round was from the Hot Tapas, starting off with the Chorizo Tapa, Patas Bravas, Spicy Shrimp in sherry, Grilled Goats Cheese with salsa fresco, Spicy and Baked Chicken Wings, and the Tiny Meatballs in sauce.

Rice Pudding with Fig

Bread Pudding with Fig

For dessert, we had both selections, the Rice Pudding with Fig was my favourite of the two, where the Bread Pudding with Fig was Ajay’s favourite of the two.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in North Vancouver Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

EAST OF MAIN CAFÉ

August 29th, 2012 admin

223 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-899-2777

Web: http://eastofmaincafe.com/

Twitter: @eastofmaincafe

Advice: Call to reserve ahead if you have a larger party.

Every once in awhile when travelling you come across a restaurant that would be your favourite had you lived in that city. Last week I discovered one of those special places right here in Chinatown. This newly opened restaurant is East of Main, literally that is and the profits go toward sustaining their other venture, Project Limelight Society, a not-for-profit children’s theatre program. This is where social enterprise meets passionate restaurateurs and a chef that loves to create and cook, where the menu features Moroccan, Spain and the Mediterranean influences and flavours. Owned by sisters Maureen Webb and Donalda Weaver; Maureen has been a prolific casting director and agent for over 20 years and has worked with some of the world’s finest writers, directors, producers and actors.

Almond Duqqa

Fattoush with Za’atar

Roasted Cauliflower

I joined my friend and fellow food writer Cassandra Anderton for dinner last week and we happily shared a selection of dishes starting off with the heavenly Almond Duqqa ($6) you dip the soft flatbread into the Spanish olive oil, then dip it into the almond crumbly mixture which then coats the flatbread and I loved this dish. Next was the tasty Fattoush with Za’atar ($9) salad followed by the delicious Roasted Cauliflower ($7).

Morrocan Kefta

Lemon Coca

The next sharing plate was the Morrocan Kefta ($9) these lamb meatballs had a spicy tomato sauce with a tasty zing, which was followed by the light Lemon Coca ($9) which was a Spanish dish similar to flatbread.

Roasted Vegetable Strudel

Lamb Shank

For our mains we shared just two as they were each a good size, I adored the Roasted Vegetable Strudel ($14) that was filled with vegetables served on a bed of quinoa salad; the Lamb Shank ($18) was tender and flavourful as well.

Chocolate Layer Cake with salted caramel

To finish of this outstanding meal we shared the Chocolate Layer Cake with salted caramel ($7) which was quite rich, loved the salted caramel, there desserts are ever changing.

The Bar Manager Andrew Flynn is equally talented on the beverage side as Chef Jenny Patsula, his cocktail list is well thought and creative offering unique and bold flavours in his drinks. The star is shining bright on this block in dark-lit Chinatown, make sure you visit and visit again!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

SOL SUN BELT COOKERY

August 28th, 2012 admin

550 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-2235

Web: http://www.solsunbeltcookery.com/

Twitter: @SolSunBelt

Advice: The patio is the place to be on a sunny day.

Moroccan Chickpeas

Picture yourself on the beach on the Mediterranean sipping some drinks and eating delicious food, now wake up from your dream and head on down to the foot of Denman and watch the boats sail by, sip on those drinks and indulge in flavours from Morocco, Spain and the Mediterranean region by known restaurateurs Gord Martin and Abdel Elatouabi.  Last week I had dinner with my friend and fellow food writer Cassandra Anderton in this nice room overlooking the marina, to warm our palate we were served a complimentary bowl of delish Moroccan Chickpeas.

Kalamata Olive Homous

Turkish Flatbread

Greek Salad a la sol

Prawn Kebab

To begin our meal we had the Kalamata Olive Homous which came with the delicious Turkish Flatbread for dipping. Next was the Greek Salad a la sol, a very different take on a Greek salad made with grilled Octopus; though I enjoyed the Prawn Kebab over the latter which was full of flavour.

Duck Confit

Black Truffle Chicken

Red Snapper

For our mains, the great flavours continued, my absolute favourite dish was the Duck Confit served with a rice cake and greens, followed by the the Black Truffle Chicken and then the Red Snapper.

Lavender, Pistachio, Marsala Ice Cream

Cinnamon Nutmeg Creme Brûlée

Lemon Meringue Pie in a glass

For dessert, I loved the Lavender, Pistachio, Marsala Ice Cream as well as the rich Cinnamon Nutmeg Creme Brûlée, the last dessert that I tried was the Lemon Meringue Pie in a glass which didn’t wow me.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Coal Harbour Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

THE SARDINE CAN

June 25th, 2012 admin

26 Powell St., Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-1350

Web: www.thesardinecan.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Go early or expect to wait.

Albondigas

Patatas Bravas

Pan

Pollo Moruna

Finally a restaurant that reminds me of my visits to Barcelona, the end game here is to find a seat and be swept away by the delicious flavours of each dish. I shared a few dishes with my friend Cassandra, we had the outstanding Albondigas ($10) Meatballs cooked in tomato and Rioja; and the delicious Patatas Bravas ($5) Roasted fingerling potatoes, garlic aioli and tomato. An order of the Pan ($2.5) Terra breads sourdough was a must to use to soak up the wonderful sauce in the Pollo Moruna ($10) Chicken cooked with Moorish spices.

The two desserts on offer looked divine and that is another reason for me to visit again. You will also find a beverage menu filled with Spanish beer, sherry, wine and brandy on the list.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

SANAFIR

February 25th, 2011 admin

UPDATED 11/21/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

1026 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-678-1049

Web: www.sanafir.ca

Twitter: @glowbal_group

Advice: Reserve one of the upstairs ‘beds’ for that special occasion.

I love this room with the high ceilings, motifs and Middle-Eastern decor. The kitchen is located towards the back with the long bar running along the side towards the front, sitting anywhere downstairs is ideal for enjoying the atmosphere and the ambiance. The menu boasts selections from along the Silk Route with an array of tastes with influences from Spain, Morocco, Egypt and India.

White Sand Cocktail

I had dinner here recently and had a tasting menu created by Chef Mike Robbins, I left it up to him to put together a tasting menu for me, it was what become a journey for my tastebuds.  I started off with the White Sand Cocktail ($9) created by the bartender to match the dishes that I was about to eat.

Falafel stuffed with beef shortrib,

Mediterranean Ribs

Grilled Octopus

The first dish was the Falafel stuffed with beef shortrib, on a bed of hummus; next was the yummy and tender Mediterranean Ribs ($7.50) olive oil, parmesan, espelette lime, crisp fried herb. A dish that I would not have thought to order was outstanding, Grilled Octopus ($7.50) crushed potato, mussels, chilies chorizo, cauliflower, olive oil.

Vindaloo Prawns

Egyptian Spiced Striploin

Moving on to the entrees, I had one of their Indian specialties the Vindaloo Prawns ($17.50) that came with mango chutney, cucumber raita and pappadum. Next was the delicious Egyptian Spiced Striploin ($20.50) cauliflower puree, roasted tomato & eggplant, madera jus  Chef Mike explained the meat was marinated for 24 hours in Onion water.

Cardamom baked yoghurt (l) & Flourless Chinese 5 Spice Chocolate Cake (r)

For dessert I had the light Cardamom baked yoghurt Okanagan fruit compote and the Flourless Chinese 5 Spice Chocolate Cake with a sweet red bean sauce.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

THE LEETEG ROOM

February 14th, 2011 admin

1489 East Hastings St, Vancouver (located inside the Waldorf Hotel)

Tel: 604-253-7141

Web: www.waldorfhotel.com

Twitter: @waldorfhotel

Advice: open for dinner service Wednesday through  Saturday.

I have always had a fascination with Spanish food and ever since I visited Barcelona and tasting all the delicious food and sweets, I have longed for Spanish cuisine even more. The Waldorf Hotel ‘s Leetag Room specializes in Spanish cuisine and every few months they are featuring a different region from within the country as visiting chefs take up residence here to create a regional menu for all us lucky diners to savour.

Ajo Blanco

Gambas al Ajillo

I dined in a couple of weeks ago and celebrated the NW region of Spain, starting off with a Glass of Burgans Rias Baixas – 2008 Albariano from Pontevedra, Spain ($9) which went well with the smooth Ajo Blanco – ($6) Chilled White Almond Gazpacho with extra virgin olive oil and fresh grapes. The next dish was the tasty Gambas al Ajillo ($12) –sauteed prawns with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, red chilli, brandy and parsley, the sauce was the best part of the dish and I used the bread to soak up the remaining jus.

Red Snapper and Clams

Fabada Asturiana

Chuletillas de Cordero con Pimientos y Papas Confitadas

My first entrée was the Red Snapper and Clams ($20) in Salsa Verde –traditional basque style red snapper served with clams and olive oil, garlic and pasley sauce; followed by the 2nd entrée ‘Fabada Asturiana’ a white bean stew ($18) with saffron, bacon, shoulder of pork, blood sausage and chorizo. My 3rd entrée was my absolute favourite dish Chuletillas de Cordero con Pimientos y Papas Confitadas – Basque style grilled lamb chops ($22) with garlic, sherry vinegar, pipuillo peppers and potato confit, this lamb was done to perfection and paired well with the Glass of Las Rocas de San Alejandro -2008 Garnacha (Aragon, Spain) ($8).

Fondante de Txocolate

For dessert I had the outstanding Fondante de Txocolate ($8) Chocolate fondant with Mango ice cream it was the perfect ending to the outstanding meal the chocolate fondant was superb.

They have an impressive well thought out wine list that features a good selection of Spanish wines, you will also find cocktails and beers on offering. This menu was created by Ernesto Gomez (Nuba), Pedro Martin (Jaleo) and Cesar de la Parra (Nuba). All three trained together under the notoriously brutal brigade of three Michelin Star Chef Martin Berasategui in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain. The room is located inside the Waldorf Hotel and is of a Tiki theme, perhaps not what you would think of when dining in Spain, however it all works here and the service is spot on.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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