Today we were at the VIP launch party for the first Central location in BC. This is kid sister to the already well established CRAFT Beer Market, with its two locations. They currently aren’t open to the public and the night served as a good test run. Their official opening day will be March 6th, a week later.
Situated on a prominent area, within walking distance from Burrard Station, across the street from Cactus Club, and direct neighbour to Joey’s One; this new addition will give the casual restaurant/bar scene a run for its money.
The space is set up modern, with patterned tiled floors, plenty of dim lights, and a couple of artificial plants. Themed to music with pop culture references. I especially liked the wall collage of various stereos.
We got to chat with the General Manager and he was especially excited to showcase their collection of framed celebrity photos. Well known icons enjoying more playful moments with food. Jackie Chan having dinner with rice and green vegetables, Whitney Houston holding a giant half watermelon, and Kendrick Lamar at a waffle house; to name a few.
The space is unique with a central bar and an open kitchen on the opposite side. We had a clear view of all the bodies working to assemble food en masse, from the dining room.
The entire space was closed to the public and dedicated to this mingler with guests coming and going all throughout the night. Each greeted with a tray of spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita to choose from. This was one of the bolder margaritas I have had of late, and I am happy to report that everything else we had was just as tasty. Pineapple jalapeño infused cuervo tradicional tequila, triple sec, and lime mixes.
Of all of the signature cocktails the Frosty Spiced Horchata certainly caught my eye. Inspired by the cinnamon and cream beverage; but something all its own with captain morgan white rum, amaretto, horchata, and cherry. This was a dessert-like sipper that also serves as a great mid-day pick me up.
There are two drinks that utilize popping strawberry pearls. The cocktail version includes empress gin and soho lychee liqueur. My guest got the non-alcoholic Strawberry Yuzu Soda version with strawberry, yuzu, lemon, basil, and popping strawberry pearls. A refreshing spritz and fun to drink for those who like the pop that comes with it.
For food it was as many of the following as we could eat, served as small bites and available on their regular menu.
The American Cheeseburger Sliders were satisfying as three classic american burgers with house fancy sauce, american cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on toasted potato rolls. These were great, soften, familiar bites and my favourite of the three.
The Braised Pork Carnitas was braised pork tacos with avocado, cilantro, feta, chili aioli, and diced onion on corn tortillas. With its soft and gritty texture I could have used some kind of crunch for a more exciting mouth-feel. As for taste, this was yet another familiar classic that tasted as expected.
My guest is lactose-intolerant and the kitchen was kind enough to bring her two vegan tofu ones.
The sushi was served as a platter with a vegetable option, a Spicy California Roll, and a Crispy Chilli Salmon Roll. I wanted to try them all, but sheepishly only commit to one piece per serving tray.
Spicy California Roll is their house-made california roll with cucumber, avocado, and volcano sauce. A Vancouver staple with artificial crab stick and a spicy mayo topping.
I was hoping to try the Crispy Chili Salmon Roll next if anymore sushi came around, however they were the hottest ticket item and it was not meant to be.
Although I love coming to check out a new space, especially when it is a week before the official opening, it is challenging to get a true look of the experience. However from what I saw and the vibes that I got tonight, I would love to return for a private meal during a regular service to be able to post a more revealing review here.
Central Bentall
555 Burrard St. #120 Vancouver, BC
(236) 521-0576
centralrestaurants.ca
