Ever since I visited Barcelona, I have always longed for more tapas, dishes with the flavours of Spain. Salida 7 opened in Vancouver a couple of months ago, serving dishes that originate in the Gerona region of Spain along with other areas of the country. Chef Sandro Olivieri leads the kitchen, having worked in many kitchens around Vancouver for the past 7 years, he previously cooked all over Europe including notable El Bulli in Spain. He is not only passionate, he is exuberant with energy and excited to cook Spanish cuisine and dishes we haven’t seen much of in this part of the world.

Olivieri’s authentic Catalonia is the focus, Salida 7 (is named after a highway exit you take when driving from Barcelona to Girona).

Last week I enjoyed an outstanding 10 course Spanish journey with wines to pair lead by Chef Sandro Olivieri.

1^st course:

Catalonian Fish Soup,  beautiful flavours, paired with a dry Spanish sherry, Manzanilla “La Gitana”.

2nd course:

Piquillo Peppers stuffed with crab a traditional Catalan dish!

3^rd course:

Oyster Ceviche a delicious Oyster melon mignonette with smokey citrus, a fusion of Spanish and Latin American flavours, topped with a crispy potato chip.

4^th course:

Shishito Peppers Surprise and their is a reason it’s called a surprise! Paired with the Vina Esmerelda (delicious wine – Catalan – loved it)

5^th course:

Chanterelles on toast with Wild Mushrooms sautéed with garlic and sherry wine consommé paired with a 30 year old sherry

6^th course:

Iberian cured Ham on Toast – Calalonian style tomato, bread and apple)

7^th course:

Baked Garlic Vermicelli with Lobster cooked in a large pan Paella Fideua style, an outstanding sharing dish.

8^th course:

Duck Magret with truffle and tomato confit

9^th course:

Oxtail Cannelloini a wonderous delight

10^th course:

Roly Poly Pudding with lemon sponge cake, candied walnuts, caramel, and whipping cream, paired with the Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez Sherry.

You can find Salida 7 at 52 Alexander Street, call to reserve 604-569-3088 and follow them here on Instagram and on twitter @salida7gastown

By: Richard Wolak