Having visited a few times since opening, I was invited back to preview a special 4 course tasting menu that they are featuring for a limited time over the summer starting on July 22.
Apocalypse Now
Nick Carey’s “Apocalypse Now” New York Sour
Rye, Ginger Syrup, Citrus, Pinot Noir, Peppered Lime
Apocalypse Cow
Apocalypse Cow
Beef carpaccio with broccoli and Vietnamese herb puree, served with crispy rice and roasted broccoli
Hoi An Fruit Stand
Bryan Statham’s “Hoi An Fruit Stand”
Watermelon, Gin, Ginger Syrup and Berliner Weisse
Temple’s Fried Quail
Temple’s Fried Quail
Chicken fried buttermilk quail and sriracha gelee, served with a cilantro and jalapeño buttermilk biscuit
Sake Iced Tea
Chef Phong Vo’s Sake Iced Tea
XO Cobia & Stuffed Squid
XO Cobia & Stuffed Squid
Boudin noir stuffed squid with seared cobia, served with lemon pilaf with mushroom xo sauce
Lemongrass Drop
Nathan Jone’s Lemongrass Drop
Limoncello, Vodka, Lemongress Syrup Fresh Squeezed Kalamansi
Limes, Lemongrass infused Sugar Rim
Fresh Soursop Sorbet
Fresh Soursop Sorbet
My favourite of the food courses were the outstanding Temple’s Fried Quail and XO Cobia & Stuffed Squid; and my favourite cocktails of the night were the Hoi An Fruit Stand and the Lemongrass Drop.
This special menu at House Special is priced at $65/ per person which includes the food and cocktail parings. Advance reservations are a must and make sure you tell them you want to reserve by phone at (778) 379-2939 for the Specials & Spirits Tasting Menu.
By: Richard Wolak