Tonight I was invited for an intimate look and discussion on Hyundai participation at Fully Charged and the upcoming release of the 2024 Hyundai Kona.
All in attendance included both Hyundai and Genesis reps, and a smattering of auto journalists.
We convened at Gastown’s L’Abbatoir, and were given some privacy within their second storey dining room and wine cellar.
The night began with a mingler by the open bar. On the menu: a couple of red and white wines, and a great variety of premium spirits to help concoct your ideal cocktail or simple spirit on the rocks.
As we mixed small bites were passed around the room. Beef tartare crostinis, Crab stuffed pockets, and Deep fried arancini balls. A nibble and a look at the dinner to come.
Here, we were given the opportunity to learn more about other like-minded auto enthusiasts, who work in the same space. When time, we were directed to one of the seats along the pre-set long table. Invited to pick our meal between 2-3 options for 3 courses. All the while wine flowed and more cocktails could be ordered.
Tonight Hyundai Canada was proud to announce their participation in Fully Charged Live. It is advertised as the world’s No.1 home energy and electric vehicle show, held the following weekend at Vancouver’s Convention Centre from September 8th to the 10th, 2023. Both Hyundai and Genesis are participating.
The theme this year is “designed to inspire people to #StopBurningStuff”. And “this year’s show includes an array of visitor attractions, dozens of ‘live sessions’ and an exhibition of hundreds of companies, with electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and a huge selection of home energy options too.” (As taken from the website).
It is here that Genesis Canada announced they will be an official sponsor of Toronto international film festival. And Hyundai Canada held a small press conference for the Canadian debut of the all-new 2024 Kona Electric. Where there were on-site interviews with Sean Jo, product planner for the Kona. I would not be able to attend the conference, but did get a chance to meet Sean at this dinner.
I will not be speaking to the cars themselves, as I was unable to attend the presentation, due to scheduling conflicts. Although I am sure I will be behind the wheel of the 2024 Kona Electric the following year, and will provide my first hand, first impressions then.
Dinner began with a Bread Service. Freshly baked baguette and butter. The standard room temperature hard and tough bread with slightly chilled butter that tears the bread when you spread. Many of us opted to pass on a sliced, to be able to save our appetites for our meal to come.
The following is what I ordered and/or captured from those around me.
For starters majority of us choose the crab cake over lightly torched Albacore tuna. This was a Dungeness crab cake with green cabbage, and a fennel and apple salad for some freshness and texture.
This was a nice light start to pair with some white wine. The sharpness of the acidic and dry white was balanced out by the creaminess of the dill tartare-like dressing on the cake.
For mains we had a choice between, red meat, poultry, or fish in an ocean trout. My guest got the Duck confit with beluga lentils, a salad of french beans, shimeji mushroom, and orange. She allowed me to pick off her plate. The duck was fatty and tender with a roasted salty quality. This is not what I know most confit duck to be, as I often find it too dry and hard so avoid ordering it. Whereas I liked the soften skin here, my guest wanted it crispy. The portion was made filling with the orangey lentils.
I was happier with my choice of the Beef tenderloin for mains, paired with a merlot. Done closer to rare than medium with charred onion, king oyster mushroom, and confit potato. It was well sauced with a highly peppery jus. The starchy sides were instrumental in balancing out the salty meat. A classic offering from a classic French restaurant.
And for dessert, majority of the table opted for the Tiramisu with cocoa nibs and mascarpone over the Lemon olive oil cake with poppy seed and summer berries. With plenty of coffee, chocolate, and cream the tiramisu did not disappoint. It was exactly what you expected it to be.
Good fun, plenty of drinks, and light conversation made for a great night.
L’Abbatoir
217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
604-568-1701
labattoir.ca
