415 Powell Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-253-0705

Web: http://www.themackenzieroom.com/

Twitter: @MackenzieRoom

Advice: Takes reservations as well as walk-ins.

Located off the beaten track, this new abode run by owners Andrew & Katie Jameson feature chef Sean Reeve running the kitchen and notable barstar Arthur Wynne running the bar. Their menu which has a fair bit of Nose to Tail dishes is one of the most refreshing as of late, this chef isn’t afraid of falling in the norm. The menu is bold and offers up a line-up of dishes that change often as listed on the large blackboard. Want to know what’s on the night you dine, most likely the server such as Antonio who was mine will snap a photo of the menu on his phone and bring it by for you and your party to discuss.

The dishes are locally and seasonally-minded,, and for at least now it is a dinner-only eatery serving up honest and simple West Coast food from a chalkboard menu listing 12-16 dishes a night.  My friend Sheryl and I shared some dishes, starting off with playfully named and outstanding, Filled with Neglect ($11) with pine nuts and rosemary crumble, carrots, dill, butter cream sauce and blue cheese which reminded me of a painting you might just see in an art gallery. Like a Sturgeon ($26) served with an outstanding smoked corn bisque and black caviar on top. Lastly, A Girl and Her Goat ($9) with olive oil cornmeal cake, goat cheese and goats milk honey and lavender ice cream, Bartlett pears.

Arthur’s cocktails are as playful named as the dishes, many with unique ingredients which is luring in customers in droves. A must try is the Mexican Standoff and I can’t wait to return to try it as well as more of their unique and evolving dishes.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Vancouver, BC V6A 1G7, Canada