With the warmer weather finally here, Commercial Drive’s only rooftop patio is celebrating the start of their busy season.
The bustling sundeck with live DJ and stunning sunset in the distance, was the backdrop to this lively night that began with pink lemonade shots. Pretty Barbie pink liquid that did no harm, just a tasty and sweet lemon drink.
We followed this with a round of their new summer cocktails. The Royals was the classic piña colada with coconut and pineapple. Served in a playful tiki mug. We had the astronaut, but their assortment included a giant cactus, pineapple, and Volkswagen bus.
Bahama Mama was the milky version of a piña colada, creamy with Kahlua, it had a coffee undertone.
Their Summer Negroni was the familiar Aperol forward cocktail mixed with a lightly infused strawberry gin.
Green Lady was a watermelon mojito that was striking in its green hue. Very faint in both melon and mint.
The Last Night in Tokyo was a mezcal margarita, citrusy with yuzu.
As fun as all the above were, if you could only get one drink, let it be any of their juice boxes. This played on childhood. Tropical fruit flavoured juices in either white peach, guava, or mango. Each served with an overturned mini bottle of vodka sticking out of the top. The more juice you drink, the more the vodka drains into the box.
As for food, the new menu was a mix of flavours in fusion, served share style.The Ceviche had thick chunks of shrimp with just as thick tortilla chips to scoop it up with. This an enjoyable start and a great snack to have with drinks.
I was surprised by how much I liked their simplified Caesar Salad. A boiled down take with a crispy bread crumb dust, large shards of Parmesan, crispy back bacon, and a salty blue cheese dressing that coated. I am sure I ate most of this.
Likewise the Lemongrass Chicken Bánh Mi was unexpectedly my favourite of the dishes. A more westernized take with thick cuts of chicken breast and plenty of jalapeños for spice. I did miss the tang of pickled vegetables and a sweet mayo to add some acidity to the sandwich. The julienne carrot did little towards this end.
The Jalapeño Burger was a standard beef patty and ate like any other bar burger with a spicy sauce and a springy bun. On the dry side and not as memorable as the shoe string fries came with.
We sadly missed the Udon Carbonara, which apparently was the one to try. From the description alone I felt like I would have liked this the most.
And for dessert the Caramel Chocolate Tart was a tough one to crack into. Thick mousse and a dense buttery shell, textually, I would have liked it softer.
I prefer the Ice Cream Sundae, a simple assembly of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, ribbons of caramel, and a sprinkling of crushed peanut brittle. The latter had me sold, but all together a little too sweet for my tastes.
In conclusion, a fun spot for causal plates and playful cocktails; plus a view like no other on Commercial Drive. Visit for the vibes.
Social
1812 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A5
(604) 251-5565
socialyvr.com
