We ruined this experience by first visiting the original Suren location, and holding it in such high regards. Had we popped into their second location with no preconceived notions, we might have enjoyed what was before us more, not expecting anything. However, as such, it was hard to not compare this to the authentic and delicious Persian flavours of Suren Hastings, that we were already fans of.
We did not realize that their second location is marketed as Canadian-Persian fusion with modern plates, where as Burnaby is more traditional. So we walked in expecting lamb and rice platters, whereas the manager insisted we try their salads and sandwiches. Honestly, we did not drive 45 minutes from our home in Burnaby to get a salad and sandwich that we could have grabbed from any cafe.
Full disclosure, this is a media dinner. I was offered the following meal in exchange for marketing by way of my social media accounts and this blog. It is common to have what you are to try put before you. Although for the most part there are the highly celebrated dishes, and the staff checks to see if what they suggest works for you; especially in a world of dietary restrictions and substitutions. And if not it doesn’t, they suggest something else that works for both parties. Here, I expressed my desire to not have the salad or sandwich. The former out of personal preference and the latter as something not as interesting to cover. Eventually I relented taking what they wanted me to. So here is my post in all its honesty, because I cannot be bought with food. I also expect the business to do their homework and keep in mind that my posts go hand in hand with honest reviews and truthful recaps.
At least the space was lovely, a true facelift from the dark neighbourhood bar it once was. Light wood furnishings, soft pastel paintings, and a delicate floral centre piece at each table.
We grabbed a corner booth and began with a couple of their wine cocktails. One each of their red and white sangrias. The Signature Red Sangria is their House Red, a Blend of Juices and Fruits, plus Dark Rum. A more classic take with plenty of red berry.
The White Peach Sangria is their House White with a Blend of Juices and Fruits, and Peach Schnapp. I liked this one the most for its sparkling peach Bellini-like flavour.
As I mentioned above, we had the Spinach and Pomegranate Salad pressed upon us. Truthfully I would never normally order a salad, let a lot a spinach one. Out of all the leafy greens I do not eat, I detest spinach the most, for its wilt-ready texture. I couldn’t tell you about this one as I didn’t have any. Baby Spinach, Fresh Pomegranate Seeds, Strawberries, Avocado Slices, and Roasted Walnuts and Pecans. Served with a Zesty Pomegranate Poppy Seed Dressing.
I liked the idea of the Potatoes served with Creamy Mushroom Dip, but found that the potatoes weren’t the best suited base for this. Crispy Oven-Roasted Baby Potatoes Served with a Dip Of Sautéed Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs, Sour Cream, and Parmesan Cheese. The dip was overly tangy and herbaceous it would have been better as a spread over similarly seasoned bread, or with a plain whit pita. The potato itself had too much flavour, whereas I needed something more neutral to pair with such a pungent dip. My taste buds were confused by this one.
I did like the Earthy Smoked Eggplant Dip as it delivered on exactly what I expected, doing what it could to satisfy the Persian cuisine craving I had coming in. Smoky Roasted Eggplant, Garlic, Eggs, and Fresh Tomato Sauce. All locally sourced and blended together to a fine whip. Garnished with Fresh Parsley, and served with their In-House made Bread. My only critique was that the whole wheat bread was too dense. This garlicky dip needed something light to marry with it. I wanted a thin pita, to best highlight the smokiness. Instead, the bread was dry and quick to harden, I wasn’t able go back for more. I would pass on this again as a result.
I was grateful that they allowed me to try the Suren Signature Tahchin. I have never had a Persian dish so whimsical. Golden-Crusted Persian Rice Cake Layered with Saffron- Infused Chicken Marinated in Yogurt And Egg, and Served with a Shallot Yogurt. This was a very unique presentation for what is essentially a sweet rice dish. It has a chewy, sticky rice texture to it, intermingled with dried fruit and rose water for a dessert-like finish. This is the type of dish I expect from a Suren.
The Salmon Risotto is their attempt at fusion, combing Italian cooking techniques with Iranian flavours. Sabzi Polo Mahi and marinated salmon. The salmon was overcooked and dry, you had your choice of two rices to pair with it; both on plate, neither of which I would recommend. Once again I found this a miss match. The rice was tough, where as risotto is known for being softer, like a firmer congee. The cheesy one was slightly better. The green rice was medicinal, clashing with the saucy olives that I found too sweet. Every element had its own identity, vying for your attention, none of it seamless. I did not find this very well thought out.
The “Tender Roast Beef Sandwich” felt out of place. It did not feel cohesive to the menu, much like the salad. Like an addition to appease the old bar crowd, that would have frequented. Slow Cooked Oven Brisket in a Mushroom Sauce with lettuce and pickles, (which the menu described as “Appetizing Toppings”) served with medium cut fries. I liked the fries with their rigid coating. The burger itself the regular meat in a bun. Nothing stood out about this. If I did I blind taste test, I would not be able to tell it was from here.
I was disappointed by the meal, not a single checking in to see what we thought of any of the plates above. Had there been, I would have been honest. We were quick to leave, but the manager tried stopping us saying that they wanted to give us desserts, but honestly we didn’t like dinner, so why would we stay for dessert?
In summary, I appreciate the invitation and the fact that they wanted to highlight their modern dishes. However, I found them not memorable and honestly not worth the drive out for. If it weren’t for the two Persian dishes I was able to add on, the meal would have been a wash for me. Sadly I did not enjoy the food and would not be back as a result. I however, will continue to visit their Burnaby Heights location, in my neighbourhood.
Suren Persian cuisine Grill + Bar
3293 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 4H9
604-416-1890
surenrestaurant.ca
