Tonight we were on a speed run of Dine on Denman, a new 15 day event that celebrates the food on the West End, two days before the actual launch of the event. From November 5-19th, 16 different restaurants will feature 16 different specialty menus, each at a promotional price. Majority of which would be a three course tasting menu where you get to choose your appetizer, entrée, and dessert from 2 to 3 options; starting at just $35
Our tour started with España, known for their authentic Spanish cuisine and extensive Spanish wine selection and now their $45 Dine on Denman menu.
We came as a group so were able to order one of each of the three options across the three courses, to be able to taste them all. Although keep in mind that a single mouthful might not give me as detailed of an introduction to the food as I am accustomed too. So take this with a grain of salt.
The Patatas Bravas came topped in a spicy tomato sauce aioli. This was a hardy start of roasted potato chunks in a tangy and saucy tomato blend. Pretty self explanatory.
The Marinated White Anchovies Served on toasted sourdough was especially striking. Each thin layer of salted fish was placed precisely parallel to the other, thus creating a very visual open faced toast. You must be familiar with and like the taste of this fish to truly appreciate this start.
And for something lighter, the Golden Beet Salad with Castelvetrano olives, pickled fennel, orange, and pistachio ajo blanco was a nice one to help open the appetite with.
For entrees my favourite was the Arroz con Setas. This is a Spanish Bomba rice dish made with local mushrooms, soy-cured egg yolk, and manchego cheese. This is like a cross between a risotto and a paella. The rice was softer and similar to congee. Each kernel of rice absorbed so much sauce and flavour. The egg yolk really helped to bring it all together in a syrupy bind.
For something lighter the Pan Roasted Lingcod with celeriac, guindilla peppers, and pil pil sauce was a nice option. The fish was on the dryer and leaner side, its edges soften by the thick gravy-like sauce. It was creamy and it never reminded me of Alfredo, but with more of a vegetal flavour.
The Confit Brome Lake Duck Leg with Butter bean puree, poached pears, and cherry jus was the heartiest of all the three options. This was a heavy and rich plate by comparison. Bold and meaty I liked the duck, but found the beans only made it more denser. I wouldn’t preferred the crunch of some seasonal vegetables or a potato pave instead.
And for dessert, you also had three options. For the chocolate lovers there was a Chocolate Mousse with Marcona almonds, and orange. Where each scoop was rich and velvety on the tongue. This is definitely one that you lick the spoon clean of.
My favourite was the PX Sherry Basque Cheesecake with Fruit preserve. This wasn’t a sweet dessert but a cheesy one. You really made out the smoky baked quality of this specific cheesecake.
And for those who completely dislike a sweet end to their meal, you can go for the platter of Manchego Cheese. Two triangular pieces served withHoney and toasted sourdough.
It is worth mentioning that España is one of the only restaurant that also considered wine pairings with their exclusive menu. As an extensive wine bar, they have a large selection to find the best pairing for each individual dish, within each individual course.
If you are looking for a reason to visit España or the West End, let this be it, because $45 for three courses is a rarity.
España Restaurant
1118 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2M8
(604) 558-4040
espanarestaurant.ca
