It has been many years since I first visited Browns, and had a mediocre meal. Ever since I have yet to return, opting for a similar chain that does a more consistent job in the same market space. However, today’s visit would change my mind.
Summer patio season is in full swing and we were invited down to Brown’s flagship location at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, to check out how they are keeping their customers cool.
All of their locations have partnered up with Italian Prosecco brand Ruffino to create a completely crushable, patio-ready, tropical spritz. And we were able to learn more about it through Browns’ Beverage Director, who has created this cocktail herself. She was proud to announce that it includes Browns’ core values and pillars of drink.
Made utilizing fresh ingredients like squeezed lemon juice and actual mango pulp. At its base this is an Aperol Spritz, but mixed with the ingredients above to make it something completely new. For those who like the classic spritz, this one is for you; for those who don’t, this is a great alternative to one. Either way, this is worth trying.
However, to truly appreciate this new signature summer cocktail, we had to sip this Prosecco on its own first.
Ruffino is made in Italy. It is the number one brand in Canada, ranking as the top 5 sparkling in Canada. Browns has decided to partner up with them, acknowledging their great price point and how they match with the Browns brand and their socializing aspect.
It is a slightly tart and dry sparkling. Easy on its own, and helped along as a spritz. The Social Spritz is Aperol, ruffino prosecco, mango, and bellini slush. Currently available on their menu and will be throughout summer; and if it is as good as I think it is, for months to come after. After all, Vancouver loves a good Bellini all year round.
We were seated on their covered patio overlooking the theatre’s plaza. It would have been a tranquil setting, if not for the pop-up rap performance on stage today, unbeknownst to all and event organizers.
Since we were already here and enjoying the afternoon, we made our visit a meal with a few of their popular appetizers to share.
All of which complementary to the cocktail of the hour, all of which better than I remembered Browns to be. They have definitely come along way from when they first opened, and I regret writing them off so long ago, only after one bad experience.
The Crispy Cauliflower is florets lightly battered in tempura, served with a creamy dill pickle dip. A meaty mouthful that matches the bold zip of the tangy dip.
Similarly, I was not expecting to enjoy their Dynamite Roll as much as it did. Breaded crispy prawn rolled in sushi rice topped with spicy mayo and sitting in a sweet soy glaze. This was everything you like about the roll, done right, eaten hearty like a one bite rice bowl.
The Sesame Ginger Gyozas had a nice char to them, fully stuffed and extravagantly dressed. Seared pork dumplings, sesame shoyu, and garlic chilli oil. There is so much going on here, and it all works together. Not a dull bite, but an explosion of salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy, peppery, and refreshing.
In comparison, the fries were good, but a little mundane. “Best Fresh Cut Fries” with hand cut and double cooked potatoes, topped with aged padano, and served with garlic aioli. A classic appetizer and easily shareable plate.
And if you are looking for something more filling and fresh the Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps is a healthy choice. Five spice chicken, peanuts, crispy noodles, and green onion, all coated in a spicy kung pao sauce that you self-serve into a lettuce cup. Great flavour and mildly spice, we all enjoyed this one.
In closing, this was a great spot to enjoy summer at, with tasty shareables and a cold drink in hand. This Summer Spritz is a contender for the cocktail of summer.
Browns Socialhouse Queen Elizabeth Theatre
675 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P1
(604) 620-5545
brownssocialhouse.com
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The pairing of Browns Socialhouse’s dishes with Ruffino Prosecco sounds like a match made in heaven. The way you described the flavors and the overall experience makes me eager to try this combination. It’s great to see how well thought-out these pairings are. Thank you for sharing such a delightful and sparkling collaboration!