Today we were at D6 for a slider eating competition. In my younger years I would be at each restaurant offering a large serving eating competition and throwing my hat into any food eating ring. Now in my more formidable years I and my metabolism have slowed down. I cannot eat as much nor with the same amount of gusto as I once did. But that didn’t stop me from entering tonight.
I went into this knowing how good their burgers are, having previously tried the Wagyu beef burger as the future of their After Office Happy Meal from their neighbour, The Victor. This limited time only feature was so popular when it first launched that they now have made it available regularly at D6 and even built today’s event around it.
This is the Burger Bash at D6 Bar & Lounge, an evening of burgers, drinks, games, music, and summer patio vibes. It had the makings of a BBQ-inspired patio party with live DJ.
We started the evening cautiously, wanting to nibble before the main event, but not wanting to fill up and make the challenge more difficult than necessary. However they ended up delaying the competition by 30 minutes and I caved in after see everyone else around me enjoying the food and drinks.
Naturally, I ordered the After Office Adult Happy Meal that comes with a toy. But sadly they no longer have the goose key chain, that I thought tied in so well with the Grey Goose martini, that also comes with this set. Instead it is a little push fidget hanging over the burger pick. I thought this would have cheapened the set if still at Victor, but it was playful here at D6.
The combo is $38 from 5-7pm daily and it is centred around the King River Wagyu Burger with 8oz, patty, caramelized onions, aged cheddar, and black truffle aioli. It comes with triple cooked fries and a baked apple pie for side and dessert. As as I mentioned above, for the drink you get a mini martini that they called a Goose Tiny Tini. It is still 1.5 oz of grey goose, dry vermouth, and lemon peel and just as potent as a a full. The burger was just as sumptuous as I remembered it. A mouthful of delicious, slightly gristly beef, between sauced up buns. The ketchup coating the thick cut potatoey fries was the only acid, adding some needed levity the dense bites. That, and the sweetness of a classic baked apple pie.
We followed that with half a dozen of their Seasonal Oysters. A selection of sunseeker and fanny bay from the West Coast and murph’s lucky charms from the East Coast. Their cooling and light nature were great for the patio and as a snack to get our competition bellies going.
We also ordered a roll off their sushi menu. The Spicy Tuna Roll with ahi tuna, scallion, cucumber, and a sesame chilli sauce. It was tasty enough, but I found the textures mushed and softened by the time we got it. Not traditional Japanese sushi, but a fusion take. I did like how it came with fish shaped capsules of soy sauce instead of packets.
But out of everything we ordered the Crystal Cadillac was the most iconic. A 2oz patrón añejo margarita served in golden Patron show box with Grand Marnier and lime. It was brought to the table and uncovered to review thick clouds of smoke. As a whole, this was a dressed up and over done, premium take on the classic margarita. Honeyed and sweet, this was one of the easiest drinking margaritas I have ever had.
As we waited for our time on the eating stage we were able to explore the expanse of the indoor lounge and outdoor patio engaging in their share games. There was corn hole, a football throwing challenge, and giant jenga.
When time, contestants were invited to the front of the DJ booth where a table was brought out with 8 settings, each with a glass of water and a bucket for throwing up into, so should you need it.
This was the least daunting eating challenge I have ever participated in. The portions were small and manageable, the requirements to win doable. And best of all the food was delicious. It wasn’t made to be inexpensive and only for the challenge. This is what they serve to paying customers. This was an eating challenge for novices, and anyone was welcomed.
The first round had all 8 participants trying to finish 6 baby sliders as fast as they can, and the 4 quickest got to move on to the finals. These were two bite burgers with all the fixings: bun, beef, cheese, pickle, and condiments. I was enthusiastic, but like many of the others, the need to chew this much and this quick gave me a jaw ache and slowed me down. I wasn’t one of the four that qualified, but I thought I fought valiantly with 4 out of 6 baby burgers completed. In the end the first man finished and won himself a stand up paddle board as his prize. It was just as exciting to cheer on the others as it was to compete.
In the end, this was a fun event and a great way to introduce everyone to how tasty their burgers are and what a great space their venue is in summer patio season.
D/6 Bar & Lounge
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B OR3
parqvancouver.com/food-drink/d6/
