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Category: patio

Peroni patio party at D6

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On June 28, 2019

In events, Happy Hour, Lifestyle, patio, Vancouver

Today I was invited to celebrate “Peroni” at one of their annual cross-Canada summer Terrazza parties. And what better a place to host such an event than at the now opened, newly furnished patio of “D6”.

The sunny day allowed guests to mingle across the entirety of the patio, and the covered portion with its heat lamps offered shade and warmth against the roof top wind. There was plenty of seating across couches by coffee tables, you could grab a high top over by the bar, or a regular four top against the greenery and it pink plastic flamingos, or maybe just huddle around the fire pit with a drink in hand.

But first to get the drink. The roof top bar with its chic white marble tiles was themed in Peroni with bottles of the beer in an ice bath, and more beers poured non stop from the tap. Although the most appropriate for the patio was their “L’Oriente” cocktail, a special pour for the day. Fresh mandarin juice, yuzu syrup, and Peroni Nastro Azzuro; topped with candied ginger. Delicious even for non beer drinkers. So good that my guest and I both finished two pints with ease.

But there were also other ways to enjoy your Peroni today. “Passionate Gelato Artigianale” was on site passing out scoops of their gelato kept cool on ice.

They had a Peroni Nastro Azzurro gelato flavoured with lime. This was a refreshing and creamy slush that served as a great way to turn my cocktail into a float. But for those who enjoy more traditional flavours there was a salted caramel and organic BC strawberry gelato to choose from.

All the while small bites circulated throughout the enclosed patio. I wish I bothered to ask which kitchen they were from and if they are available off of the regular “D6” menu.

The “Brie cigars” were a fun way to call melty and stringy Brie cheese wrapped in phyllo and fried. Best enjoyed with a deep dunk into a sweet and sour dip.

The goat cheese crostini offered up the lightest bite with fresh cherry tomato and a sweet drizzle of balsamic.

The vegetarian spring rolls included mashed potatoes with the shredded carrots and beans, it gave things a different texture and take.

The beef short rib croquettes were meaty bundles of shredded beef served with either a sweet chilli sauce or a blue cheese dip.

The mini sliders were a filling burger with a juicy beef patty.

But I preferred the mini chicken burgers for their generous crispy chicken feature and tangy sweet pickles.

And the coconut shrimp was a favourite. A sweet and crispy shell hiding juicy shrimp.

In short, this was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and enjoy one of the nicest patios in the city.

D6
39 Smithe Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 0P4
parqvancouver.com/bars-lounges

H Tasting Lounge, new patio

By

On June 14, 2019

In bar, Pacific Northwest, patio, seafood, Vancouver, West End

The start of the recent heat wave perfectly coincided with the opening of “H Tasting Lounge’s” new patio. A classy way to eat and drink outdoors, with all the qualities and comforts of a luxury hotel. I have frequented the spot more as a drinking hole, so was exited to be able to get a taste of the cuisine today.

The patio was sleek with a dark wood laminate floor, made more stylish with the white heat lamps that looked like actual lamps with their shade and pedestal base. Adjacent, tiered umbrellas offered the grey and blue loungers and couches some reprieve from the sun and the heat. All with a view of the water in the distance and the cityscape reaching for the sky behind it.

Today, guests were invited to wander in and out of “H”. The tables were pushed aside and the restaurant turned in to a dance floor. Here, food and drink stations were set up for self serve, self indulgence. The kitchen was offering scaled up versions of food and drink off of their regular menu. Giving attendees a great way to sample the menu for future visits.

Inside the restaurant, were 3 tables worth of cheese and meats; pushed together to form one of the longest charcuterie boards I have ever seen.

The “European cheese plate” with a seasonal marmalade, pickled grapes, and seed crackers.

The “Local charcuterie” board including whole grain mustard, pickled grapes, and baguette slices.

And the “Quiche Lorraine” that was a new one for me. Two rounds of pancetta, goat cheese, and zucchini eaten like a spread.

As for drinks, there was plenty to taste and many more to inspire your next sip by the seaside. Drinks included a welcome glass of sparkling and Moët on ice.

At the bar, cocktails were shaken and stirred to order. Here I had the “Thinner walls”, ordering off a menu that included photos (a smart move, catering to the likes of me, those who love a visual cocktail. Naturally, I gravitated towards the green drink with a pea shoot for garnish. It was a wonderful visual and tasted like a spiked green juice with tequila, snow peas, suze, lemon, and soda. The first healthy drink that I got my buzz on to.

I liked the tea station where premixed tea based cocktails were poured and garnish to order. The “Late blossom smiles tea” is normally served in a tea pot, so to paid homage to this, they were served in Japanese style tea cups today. Vodka, st. germain, lillet blanc, nutcracker tea, honey, lime, and soda; completed with a bobbling flower. I liked how you could taste both the black tea and the spirits equally, they were well balanced.

Similarly in balance was the “Rye Chai”, chai tea meets rye, mezcal, apricot liqueur, falernum, and lemon. A beautiful cocktail that I fully enjoyed, it reminded me more a sweet southern tea with a kick.

On the patio, keeping cool over ice was a collection of sashimi and selfish. You could see it across the room thanks to the two giant “H” ice sculptures marking these ice baths. One was a collection of oysters, being shucked adjacent and slurped up fresh.

The second ice station had two bite servings of crudo and carpaccio.

“Kanpachi crudo” with blood orange, pickled butternut, shiso, and sumac kiwi. A refreshing snack that spoke to the quality of their seafood.

The “Halibut crudo” was seasoned in a yuzu vinaigrette with anjou pear, thyme, and micro kale. Sadly my serving was so very salted, that it made my lips pucker.

The “Tuna carpaccio” was my favourite of the three given some pizzaz with pickled watermelon, fresno chili, and mint.

And as we ate, servers toured the patio offering up for more appetizers on trays. Bites like the “Beef tartare” with egg yolk, shallot, caper, chive, and horseradish. A delicious morsel that you easily popped into your mouth.

The “Salmon tartare” with tarragon, cucumber, lemon, labneh, and hibiscus was a refreshing starter, served on an endive leaf.

The “Lump crab cake” was tasty, a crispy baked shell hiding a creamy, flaky crab filled centre; sauced up with their Old bay aioli.

I liked the “Morel mushroom tartine” made with ricotta, black garlic mustard, watermelon radish, and micro kale. Earthy and saucy, one of the more filling, roving appetizers.

And I fully enjoyed the mini West Coast lobster rolls with much gusto. Sweet shellfish, creamy mayo, and a hint of dill for freshness.

For dessert they had “Uno Gelato & Sorbet” doling out their ice cream on site. A cute cart attached to a bicycle, where you could get scoops of either salted caramel, mango, or their vegan “Midnight chocolate” in small cups. I had the former and found it too sweet for my taste.

 

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes. In truth I have actually have never had a full meal here, my visits typically start and end at the bar, so this was a nice teaser of them and their new patio. And one lavish enough to have me wanting to return for the full experience. I would love to revisit on a separate occasion, to more accurately account for what’s it like to dine-in and drink out on their patio. Don’t deny your cravings.

 

The Westin Bayshore
1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver BC, V6G 2V4
604-682-3377
htastinglounge.com

Chambar, terrace open

By

On June 13, 2019

In Downtown Vancouver, French, Middle Eastern, patio, Vancouver

As of June 1st Chinatown’s best patio is open for the summer season. And to help celebrate, they are launching a new happy hour menu to mark the occasion.

Located right by the Stadium skytrain station, “Chambar” is easy to get to for an early brunch or an after hour cocktail. And patio is open morning to late, serving everything within, outside on their sun soaked patio. An oasis of brick, leafy greens and vibrant florals. Seating on the terrace is first come, first served. With no reservations allowed. So come early and enjoy it fully.

My recap today won’t be of the actual experience, but of the festivities leading up to the launch.

Nothing spells summer like a cool cocktail on a hot day, and we would enjoy 4. Three of which are barrel-aged and highlighted on their updated happy hour menu (which they call an “interlude”).

First it was the “Le Soleil Punch” with Remy Martin VSOP cognac, Mount Gay Eclipse rum, Cointreau, House limoncello, Aperol, and an iced tea blend. This was an easy sipper perfect for patio drinking.

“Lind’s Lemonade” had a beautiful hue to it thanks to the hibiscus flower used. Matusalem platino, house made limoncello, hibiscus, fresh lemon, and Talisman pale ale. A slightly floral, spiked lemonade without sting of alcohol, a dangerous drink if you take in to many.

The “Zenzero Spritz” made for a good digestive thanks to the ginger. It was light tonic with a low calorie feel. Bianco vermouth, ginger, sparkling wine, and soda.

The “Botinst G&T” was a refreshing classic. Bontist gin, house tonic, grapefruit, and rosemary.

They also had bottles of rose and white wine on ice, and red at the ready.

And “Strange Fellows” brewing had their beer cart set up to pour their ales, lagers, and IPAs.

As this was a mix and mingler, we didn’t get the ability to taste full plates, only teasers of what they offer from their brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. Enough to wet my appetite and have me curious over what the full servings would be. But sadly I didn’t get enough of a taste to really review them for you here, but they are as follows

Duck confit & eggplant wrapped in phyllo dough. A little dry and heavily if not fully drizzled and smeared with the cream and orange blossom syrup.

Veal stuffed calamari. The taro chips served as great little spoons to scoop up squid and cream. A descant one biter that maybe too much as a full serving.

I loved the colours of English pea dumpling with spicy carrot hummus. Plenty of pea purée stuffed into chewy wrapper. The hummus offered spice, but I would have preferred a sour cream to dip into as well.

Chicken sausage and chorizo manchego sausage. Served in zesty slices with dollops of cream and pesto, the full sausage is typically featured on their brunch menu and in their paella.

Poached prawns on sourdough bread with jalapeño and fish roe. Piled high, there was a lot to unpack in this. I liked each individual element, but not necessarily all together in one bite. This was especially the case for the pickle ginger, which would have been better served as a finale palette cleanser.

The grilled asparagus with olive oil and shredded cheese was exactly as expected.

I loved the visual of this colourful presentation. A pick-a-bite platter with beet mousse over flatbread, fried halloumi cheese, pea falafel, and flatbread with carrot hummus. A little dry and plain, I would have liked a sweet and tangy sauce to dip into for some character.

The one bite of beef striploin was perfectly tender. Prepared with cioppino onion and A truffle aioli I found myself eating a couple of these. I wouldn’t mind trying the full serving of this one.

The seared tuna and Japanese yam with a beurre blanc was another classic bite well executed, that I wanted more of.

 

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes.
All in all this was enough of a taste to have me planning a trip back to enjoy full plates, more cocktails, and their patio. Don’t deny your cravings.

 

CHAMBAR
568 Beatty Street, Gastown Vancouver BC
604-879-7119
chambar.com

Match Langley, patio open & new menu

By

On June 13, 2019

In bar, Langley, patio

Today I was enjoying another patio, but this time in Langley. “Match” located in Langley’s “Cascades Casino” was the place to be tonight, with the NBA finals being broadcasted on all screens and “Ruffino” on location passing out samples of their sparkling Prosecco. We took advantage of both as we soaked in the sun and the warmth of the fireplace once it set.

They had a new fresh sheet, so we made sure to order from that. Including their new “Botanical summer cocktails”. Three flavours of low calorie, spritzer-type drinks to quench your thirst. Ketel One botanical peach and orange blossom, soda, fresh lemon, raspberry and mint. It was refreshing, but a little bland for a seasoned sipper like me.

My second cocktail offer more kick, but with a tropical feel. I ordered the “Hotline bling!” For its name and was not disappointed. Smirnoff vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, lime, orange, and club soda. It’s the type of drink you enjoy at a resort by the water, or here at “Match Langley” pretending you are on vacation.

For food we started with the “Wok this way lettuce wraps”, something I normally wouldn’t order for myself, but glad we got because it ended up being my favourite dish of the night. This was the 2.0 version with wok fried chicken, crispy noodle, spicy xo sauce, carrots, celery, red peppers, green onion, and peanuts. Served with a stack of crisp ice berg lettuce that you use as cups to scoop up and eat the above with. There was so much good texture and flavours to sort through, with plenty of light crunch. It felt healthy and tasted satisfying, which was a similar tone to the rest of our meal to come. Though be warned, eating these do get messy, not cute for date night.

By comparison the “Squid pro quo” was lack lustre. It lacked seasoning, although I fully appreciated its name. Lightly breaded calamari, fried jalapeños, red pepper, diced red onion, and tzatziki. It needed salt which we self seasoned, but even then it was still flat. The vegetable offered little and the tzatziki fell flat, leaving us wanting more.

I really enjoyed my entree: the “Georgia peach and pecan chicken”, another more health conscious menu item that left you satisfied. Bourbon marinated chicken breast with grilled peach, beats, goat cheese, and candied pecans. Served with creole rice and roasted vegetable. I enjoyed the charred flavour of the chicken and the options on the plate you had to pair with it. Tangy goat cheese, sweet peach, and the freshness from all the steam vegetables.

My guest had the “Blackened halibut burger”. Long line caught blackened halibut, mango salsa, iceberg lettuce, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and crispy onion strings; in between a fresh brioche bun, served with fried to order thick cut fries. The fish was fully seasoned in Cajun spice, and it’s heat was balanced by the crunchy slaw and the zestiness of the tartare sauce, (which would have been great over the calamari above). A great burger I would order again, but another messy one with the amount of oil and drippings sopping off the burger after each bite.

 

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – No.
In short, “Match” is a great place for ambience and the game in Langley, with new food and drinks to try and a great patio to lounge in. Don’t deny your cravings.

 

MATCH LANGLEY
Cascades Casino Resort
20393 Fraser Highway, Langley BC, V3A 7N2
604-530-2211
matchpub.com

Dockside: new chef, new menu

By

On June 7, 2019

In Granville Island, Pacific Northwest, patio, seafood, Vancouver

Warmer weather in Vancouver marks patio season, and a great one to soak up the sun at is Granville Island’s “Dockside Restaurant”. I have visited a handful of times, but today’s trip down was also in celebration of their new head Chef: Zach Steele. I would get to meet him in person, and learn a lot more about him through his food. Steele is born and raised in Vancouver, and comes with a very special connection to the property. For over 29 year his mother has had her Christmas staff parties at “Dockside”, and for majority of them, Zach was present. So when an opportunity came to helm the long standing kitchen, the nostalgic draw was enough to have him sighing a contract. Not to mention, he himself feels that “Dockside” boasts the best patio in the city.

I would agree with his sentiment as I made myself across several of their available seats. On the lounger, under the cabana with a view of yachts in tow. Under the covered dining area with a wood table at proper dining height. And finally setting on a cluster of comfy seats with small side tables, and the possibility for conversation and mingling with friends.

As for food, every thing and every process has been overhauled, which is largest change to ever come out of the restaurant. The new chef has redone the entire menu program, including how everything is prepared, prepped, and stored. Even their distributors are all new. Everything it absolutely fresh and Ocean Wise, nothing is kept under chill in the fridge. Even sauces are prepared from scratch now. And speaking from experience of before and after, you can taste the difference. Their food has always been okay, you go in fearing a miss, but being surprised by a hit now and again. However, everything we had tonight was good and a lot I would order again on subsequent visits.

We started with an elevated twist on the corn dog, but here, these battered and fried meat on sticks featured duck. They are served with 3 dips for your tasting pleasure: a sweet and grainy mustard, one with beer and maple, and a spicy dip with horse radish. The corn dog itself was rich in curry spices from the batter and stuffed full with a nugget of duck meat. This was a grown up taste, only available on their happy hour menu.

The “Wagyu beef carpaccio” was amazingly succulent, for a tissue-thin piece of meat. Dressed with Dijonnaise, crispy capers, arugula, and Parmesan; this was a collection of toppings that worked well together, while still allowing you to taste the quality of the Alberta wagyu.

The “Seared Scallops” were beautifully plated. The squid ink aioli they sat in not only offered a contrast to the golden brown scallops and the collection of fresh greens and pickled fennel tops with bacon; but it gave the dish a wonderfully deep umami sensation.

As a vegan option for one of the guests was served a wonderfully sophisticated heirloom carrot dish with baba ganoush and fennel. I have never seen such dressed up plates from “Dockside”, so already you can see the elevation the new head chef was bringing. I actually didn’t get a taste of this, but will admit I wanted too from its look alone.

But I was also more than happy to get my vegetable intake from the roasted cauliflower dish. Cauliflower florets, cauliflower purée, and pickled golden raisins, in a lemon caper vinaigrette. It was a familiar and comforting dish available at many such restaurants, but done with small variations to make it their own. Firm cauliflower dipped into a saucy version of itself. I didn’t notice the raisin all to much though, but it is still the one I would order again.

The “Steak-crese” also had me eating my vegetables. Flat iron steak, tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto mayo, arugula, avocado, and dried currants; all in a sherry vinaigrette. The steak was perfection, and the star of the dish. And the collection of vegetables under it ate more like a well conceived assembly than a quick salad. Everything was fresh and fragrant, coming up to the level of the medium rare steak dressed in a tasty pesto. And it is worth nothing that this pesto is different from that of the pasta below. I appreciate it when dishes vary from one another. Chances are you will order a few to share with your table mates, and it is unfortunate when your choices are similar to one another, and you find flavour profiles repeating themselves.

I fully enjoyed the “Orecchiette pesto”. Prepared with a broccoli-basil pesto with pistachios, broccoli florets, and Asiago cheese. I was surprised by how much flavour they got into this with cream and broccoli. The pasta was cooked perfectly and each round coated fully. For those who want to go gluten free with this, you can substitute the orecchiette with zucchini noodles instead.

For a completely different dish I really enjoyed the broth of the “Cioppino”. Mussels, clams, salmon, halibut, and prawns bobbing about in a saffron and fennel tomato broth. A classic in San Francisco, this is “Dockside’s” take on a West Coast version. Tangy, vinegary, and sharp; whilst allowing you to take in the bevy of seafood and their various tastes. And the best part, it comes with a thick piece of bread to allow you fo dip in and soak up all that soupy goodness.

The fennel and lemon stuffed whole trout was another great looking plate. Though it does come with dining instructions as this fish naturally has more bones. If you gingerly scrape the meat you can avoid said share spines. This was a light, local, and in season fish paired with a celeriac purée, lemon, and kale.

And for dessert we enjoyed the Gluten-free coconut cheese cake over a Florentine base with seeds and nuts, and a passion fruit syrup topping. This was creamy and tropical over a buttery, crumbly crust. A very nice note to end, something rich, yet refreshing.

 

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes.
“Dockside Restaurant” just gave me a better reason to return than their patio. Not just a place with a view on Granville Island, but now a destination to travel to for the food. I will be keeping an eye on all to come out of this kitchen, and will be back often if it is of the same caliber as what I fully enjoyed above. Don’t deny your cravings.

 

DOCKSIDE
1253 Johnston Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 3R9
604-685-7070
docksidevancouver.com

What goes in to, on to, and around me. This is me and what I see, all my stories in Vancouver BC! A big mouthed food and lifestyle blogger discovering what the world has to offer through dining, travel, and new experiences. Follow along to see the life of Maggi.

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