Alouette is the newer French Bistro calling the Executive Hotel Le Soleil home. They are located in the heart of downtown Vancouver’s entertainment and financial districts. They softly opened during the world’s pandemic to stelar reviews. Coming out of that tumultuous time, they recently celebrated their restaurant’s health and finally grand opening with a private party.
And I was lucky enough to attend the celebration, as the plus one to my host who once worked in the hotel concierge industry, and still receives invites to such events. The goal is for the hospitality industry to experience such a space and service for themselves, so that they in turn they can recommend it to guests looking for a specific dining option or drink destination. Alouette fits into both categories.
On this night they literally rolled out the red carpet. Walking past, they certainly caused a stir with Parisian style tables set on the side walk. Each set with white table cloths and wicker chairs.
At the door there was a mime stationed in black and red stripes with a face painted white. He spun and passed out cotton candy in an assortment of colours, as the host crossed your name off the guest list.
Within, the usual tables and chairs have been forgoed for an open dance floor. Ideal for the crowd that was here to mix and mingle within.
The restaurant has kept its foundation decor, speaking to the days when it was Copper Chimney, a finder dining Indian restaurant. Therefore, it does not speak true to the French theme that they are going for today. The room is centred around a mural of the sun shining its rays across mixed media. Predominantly yellow in colour, the splashes of green, by way of large tropical plants, help to breathe energy and life into the room.
For the best view of this, be sure head upstairs for a bird’s eye perch of everything down below. This including the bar, doling out cocktails and the stations of help yourself glasses of wine.
On the ground floor it was standing room only, as guests were given free rein to help themselves to a bar of finger foods. The lot of it staged right outside of the kitchen’s pass. An ever replenishing selection that the chefs saw to.
There were hand cut chips, fresh veggies, crusty bread and a collection of house-made dips to dunk the above into.
The large scale charcuterie board was an impressive assortment of cured meats, soft cheeses, spicy peppers, tangy pickles, and sweet fruit.
Other appetizers up for grabs included cocktail shrimp, beef tartare over crostini, mushroom puffs, scallop in cream, and baked mussels. An impressive assortment that spoke to the kitchen’s ability to produce in masse.
My favourite station was the roast beef, that was craved on the spot. Thin slices of pink meat slid in between a potato bun for a tender and tasty slider.
For cakey and creamy desserts and more help yourself appetizers, guests were welcome to head up to the second floor to explore. There, you could also take a seat and enjoy your meal of gathered small bites in peace.
It was here that we discovered that Alouette has a hidden courtyard patio. A peak-a-boo of blue sky bathed this space in natural light. The green wall decorated in white blooms and the string lights securing pink paper umbrellas added a jovial liveliness to the space. I am unsure if it is available for regular reservations, but I suggest inquiring about its use for a special occasion.
Overall evening was fun and we enjoyed ourselves, but I will not be able to review it any more than this. As this event does not give a true account of what it is like to actually dine at Alouette Bistro, but I guess that is reason enough to visit them again soon.
Alouette Bistro
at Executive Hotel Le Soleil
567 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8
604-689-8862
alouettevancouver.com
