Metro Restaurant

The fifth Dine Out ’09 dinner was at Metro Restaurant. I was intrigued by its idea of limited offering (it offers very few options on its regular menu) so they must be good at what they offer in order to succeed. I actually found its Dine Out at $38 to be a bit priced, but I was motivated to visit this restaurant by a $26 OpenTable coupon.

On Food

I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality. Usually at least one dish may fall short, but all of the dishes tasted very good. It started with a nice crostini as amuse bouche. The scallops were good, too, but I didn't realize it's on a bed of truffle gnocchi until I checked the menu again. The braised beef was tender and that appetizer was a generous portion! For the two entrees, I especially enjoyed the duck breast - the meat was moist, and its skin as well as the panchetta were crispy. I didn't care for the tomato compote on the salmon, it was way too sour. Onto the desserts, they were both excellent, although I was looking forward to finishing my meal with a chocolate mousse. They replaced it with the beignet, which was still good serving with maple ice cream. The cheesecake mousse really surprised me, because it wasn't the texture I was expecting. It's very smooth and creamy yet it tasted just like cheesecake. The crust at the bottom was good too.

On Presentation

The presentation was by far the best I've seen at Dine Out this year. Every dish was plated in different style yet none of them was over-plated. It definitely fits its modern fine-dining brand.

On Environment

The decor definitely caters to a younger crowd. It's modern but classy. It also has a bar/lounge area for people to hang out for a drink. The wine cellar near the entrance was quite a nice touch.

On View

You can actually see the waterfront from the restaurant, as well as Canada Place. Unfortunately, Canada Place's flashing screen can be a bit disturbing.

On Service

The service was pretty good. I do want to point out that the server was willing to split the bill for us, AFTER deducting the OpenTable coupons from our bill (there were two coupons for the two of us), even though they couldn't do it like two separate bill. It was shown as two amounts due on the same bill but she made hand-written notes for us to highlight how much we each owed. I thought that was quite nice.

Metro Restaurant

Food: 9
Presentation: 9
Environment: 8.5
View: 8.5
Service: 8.5
Overall: 8.7

Photos

Non-alcoholic cocktail: Blueberry pomegranate mocktail

Amuse Bouche: Crostini with blue cheese and proschitto

Appetizer:Scallop, truffle gnocchi, cauliflower puree

Appetizer: Braised beef cheek orrichiette

Entree: Crispy duck breast, braised red cabbage, local potato fondant, pancetta

Entree: Wild B.C. salmon, tomato mustard seed compote, French beans, beurre blanc

Dessert: Cinnamon beignet, maple ice cream

Dessert: Baked cheesecake mousse, strawberry compote

Decor: Open kitchen

Decor: Modern decor with what it seems to be a younger crowd

Decor: The wine cellar

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House (Lunch)

Out of the norm, I had a Dine Out lunch at Joe Fortes. It's offering two courses for $13.95 - a combination any two of appetizer, entree and dessert. Remembering my terrible Dine Out experience several years ago, I've given the restaurant more than one try to redeem itself. And I just gave it another shot with a lunch.

On Food

Instead of ordering a set of Dine Out each, my friend and I did something innovative - we ordered one set of Dine Out plus a half dozen fresh oysters. First, we ordered Kusshi and Kumamoto oysters. They were fresh and tasty. Then came the pasta. The sauce was very creamy and lots of bay scallops and rock prawns (found the prawns a bit too small though). The creme brulee was pretty good, although I'd prefer it to be firmer. Now it's too liquidy..

On Presentation

For whatever reason, I found its presentation a bit mediocre. I've been to Joe Fortes for dinner and brunch before and I've seen better plating. I'd say the dessert was well-plated, but the pasta....honestly, any restaurant can do that..

On Environment

It's a nice restaurant, I must say. And it's big too, with a second floor. I wish they would have a pianist on a Saturday afternoon so I could enjoy some live music.

On View

Looking out the window, you'll get a glimpse of the Robson scene.

On Service

I was quite satisfied with the service. Walking into the restaurant, I wasn't expecting that they would let us order only one set of Dine Out - I thought every diner at the table would order a Dine Out - but they let us do it so it was off to a good start. Overall the server was very attentive. I ordered a coffee and she came back to refill it when it's getting close to the last drop. And she's very good at accommodating to our share-plate idea. She remembered to change the plates in between the courses.

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Food: 8.5
Presentation: 8
Environment: 8
View: 7
Service: 8.5
Overall: 8

Photos

Entree: Rock Prawn & Bay Scallop Pasta - dill cream sauce

Dessert: Vanilla Crème Brûlée - caramel sauce

Fresh oysters on the side. Kumamoto = top half; Kusshi = bottom half.

Mosaic Bar & Grille

The fourth Dine Out '09 was at Mosaic Bar & Grille. I was just there a few months for a business lunch and I truly enjoyed the food. And to my surprise, its price was very reasonable, so I wanted to return to try its Dine Out. Based on the menu, I thought it was a very good deal.

On Food

I was glad that the food didn't disappoint me. I like the fact that they provide you with a choice of bread to start (and pan bread was by far my favourite in the basket). The crab cake appetizer was good but I couldn't tell that it's lobster sauce. (I found out when I went home to check its menu again.) The avocado ragu was like guacamole which added a nice touch to the crab cake. The seared black cod was moist with a crispy skin. I never really like brussel sprout but I enjoyed the hash. The steak was juicy and tender at medium rare. And it was ordered as medium rare and came out as medium rare, not medium. The Bouillabaisse was very nice too. I could taste the tangy tomato broth - although I wish they included more seafood in it. I found the dessert a bit too sweet for my liking. The combination of a sweet chocolate cake and caramel sauce was just too rich...

On Presentation

I think the food presentation was wonderfully done. It did stay on par with what people perceive as hotel restaurant dining.

On Environment

The restaurant is big. I like the semi-open kitchen at the back and the space between each table. It's definitely not should-to-shoulder seating.

On View

Without a nice view of the water, this restaurant offers the vibrant view of downtown Vancouver. It's located in the heart of downtown and you can see all the busy traffic going up and down Burrard street.

On Service

Service was the only downside of this dinner. It started out alright, but starting to go down the hill when the server forgot our bread until our appetizers were served. Then the entrees took forever to arrive, and suddenly more bread was served after we finished our entrees (it was actually meant for the table beside us). I wouldn't say I was totally disappointed but it could definitely be better especially it's a hotel restaurant..

Mosaic Bar & Grille

Food: 8.5
Presentation: 8.5
Environment: 8
View: 8.5
Service: 8
Overall: 8.3

Photos

Bread

Appetizer: Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado Ragu and Lobster Sauce

Appetizer: Mosaic Salad with Lardons, Granny Smith Apple, Roasted Walnuts and Roquefort Cream

Pan Seared Black Cod with Brussel Sprout Hash, Cauliflower Puree and Onion Jus

Entree: Mesquite Grilled New York Steak with Haricot Vert, Local Mushrooms and Potato Leek Gratin

Entree: Seafood Bouillabaisse with diver scallops, clams, mussels, salmon, halibut and baby yukon potato

Dessert: Mini Mosaic Chocolate Cake with caramel sauce

View: Vibrant view of downtown Vancouver

View: Vibrant view of downtown Vancouver

Trafalgars Bistro

The third Dine Out ’09 was at Trafalgars Bistro. I was first intrigued by a dinner invitation that didn't come through. I became interested in its menu. After hearing from a friend that it's her best Dine Out in 2008, I decided to give it a try.

On Food

I must say, the food was awesome. The mussels in the appetizer were of decent size and it's fresh. The broth was excellent with the bacon. Scallops were seared well too. The lamb shank was tender although I found the pearl barley risotto a bit too chewy. Both desserts were great. Chocolate obsession was a smooth truffle and the Lime Raspberry Flan was tart (but not sour). I really enjoyed the dinner that evening.

On Presentation

Because it's a neighbourhood bistro, the presentation was simple - but in a good way. You can't dress up dishes when the presentation doesn't fit your "brand". It's down to earth but it works well with the restaurant..

On Environment

The restaurant is small and cozy. I realized that it's mostly 2-people tables, with perhaps a handful of 4-people tables and that's it. I wonder if it can accommodate a bigger dining group.

On View

Because it's a neighbourhood bistro, it's expected to not as good of a view as you may find at restaurants by the water. I think it's still great that you got a bit of street view of a residence neighbourhood. Something you wouldn't get in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

On Service

The service was very good. We were welcomed by two servers, with a man (presumably the owner or manager) behind the bar suggesting that we should get a prize for arriving on time. Not that we did get a prize, but the thought of it still amused me. Throughout the evening, the servers were quite attentive, although one of the servers seemed to be lost at times. She promised to get us water and she never did. On the other hand, whenever they brought us the dishes, or collected the dirty dishes afterwards, they would say thank you - which I thought was a nice touch.

Trafalgars Bistro

Food: 9
Presentation: 8.5
Environment: 8
View: 7
Service: 9
Overall: 8.3

Photos

Appetizer: Qualicum Beach Scallops with Pommes Puree and Haricot Verts

Appetizer: BC Mussels in Leek and Double Smoked Bacon Broth

Entree: Bison Fettuccini Bolognese with Ground Bison and Tomato Sauce

Entree: Braised Lamb Shank with Pearl Barley Risotto, Natural Jus and Root Vegetables

Dessert: Chocolate Obsession

Dessert: Lime Raspberry Flan

Decor: A small, cozy restaurant

Old Spaghetti Factory - Gastown

The second Dine Out '09 experience was at a family restaurant, the Old Spaghetti Factory at Gastown. I went to the one in Whistler in Feb 2008, and honestly, I wasn't impressed by its food and service at all. However, the $18 menu seems rather decent and I wanted to give it another shot. With a little hope that it could redeem itself, I walked into the dinner without much expectation.

On Food

The food was actually not bad! I remember the pasta I had in Whistler was dry and lukewarm. Perhaps it's the sauce, or the cook, or something else, but this time around the taste has improved vastly. The food didn't blow me away or anything, but it's definitely at a standard where I would consider returning to the restaurant at a later time.

On Presentation

Because it's a family restaurant, it's not big on plating (see photos below). In a way, I think it's very appropriate given its positioning. I'd be surprised if I saw fancy plating just because it's "Dine Out"...

On Environment

It's very cozy in the restaurant. And I really liked the trolley car in the middle of the restaurant. I wish I had dined in the car!! While I was there, two groups of diners were to celebrate a birthday. I enjoyed listening to the staff sing "happy birthday" and how everyone in the dining room would clap for the birthday boy/girl afterwards.

On View

The street view of Gastown would have been nicer had it not been so foggy that evening. And the street became really quiet in the evening and it got a little creepy...

On Service

Great service, I must say. The server greeted us with a loaf of sour dough and garlic butter AND plain butter as soon as we sat down. Then came back with our order of drinks and took our dinner order. In addition to the attentive server, there was a bus boy who came and collected our dishes as soon as we finished them. It's not in a rushing way, but showing you that he had paid attention to the table and got them out of your way when you're done.

Old Spaghetti Factory - Gastown

Food: 8
Presentation: 6
Environment: 8
View: 8
Service: 8.5
Overall: 7.7

Photos

The Dine Out menu - it actually has more offering than what you saw on Tourism Vancouver's website

Each menu also comes with a choice of Green Salad or Minestrone Soup, making it a 4-course dinner.

Appetizer: Chicken Dipper

Appetizer: Boston Clam Chowder

Entree: Linguine with Thai Red Curry and Prawns

Dessert: Spumoni ice-cream

Dessert: Caramel Pecan Flan. Each meal also comes with a drink, coffee, tea or pop.

The 59-year old trolley car that was once a passenger car then a work car. Now it's on display at the restaurant.

CinCin Ristorante

I'm very excited to be back for another year of Dine Out Vancouver. The first DOV 2009 was at CinCin Ristorante. This year I did some more research on restaurants that I was interested in and heard good things about CinCin. Dining with a bit of an expectation, the restaurant didn't disappoint me.

On Food

Overall the food was tasty. Of all dishes, the soup was a bit too salty for my liking. And I realized the seasoning sometimes was a hit-and-miss thing. My terrina reminded me of spam. It was rather mild in flavour, except for that one bite of which I thought I just threw a pinch of salt in my mouth!! The same happened when I had my swordfish. Now that, I wasn't too impressed. On the other hand, the veal was braised very nicely and the swordfish was still moist. The desserts were not bad, but nothing really wow'ed me.

On Presentation

Presentation of the dishes was rather simple. It's not so much of a complaint, though, as I noticed this is how other restaurants have been handling their food presentation. The extra touch with the sauces certainly made the desserts more fun to eat.

On Environment

I like the restaurant decor. It is one of the higher-end restaurants but the interior reminds me of a small Italian eatery in the country side - there's a somewhat rustic touch to it. Perhaps they wanted to accommodate more customers at the same time, the tables were placed rather close to each other that some customers may be rubbing shoulders as they eat (OK, maybe not THAT close, but it's rather tight in space).

On View

In the summer time, the patio will definitely do its wonder by adding a bit of a Robson street view to the diner's menu!

On Service

I'm very impressed by the service. In fact, I was just amazed by how many staff they had that evening. Nothing is worse than an under-staffed restaurant on a busy day! My server was very attentive, checking back often but not being intrusive. She's definitely following the right serving etiquette and that made my dining experience much more enjoyable.

CinCin Ristorante

Food: 8.5
Presentation: 8
Environment: 8.5
View: 7.5
Service: 9
Overall: 8.3

Photos

Bread & Olive Tapenade

Cocktail: Sophisticato

Appetizer: Cioppino, Fish and shellfish soup with tomato, saffron and fennel

Appetizer: Porchetta and Pistachio Terrina with aged balsamic, frisee salad

Entree: Veal Osso Buco with white romano bean, soffrito and chianti sauce

Entree: Wood Fired Grilled Swordfish with organic carrot and celeriac, potato gnocchi

Dessert: Black Forest Cake with cherry sauce and meringue

Dessert: Tiramisu in a candy snap basket

Dessert: Apple Tarte with vanilla ice-cream

Restaurant decor

Restaurant decor