Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2017 – Brix & Mortar
I’m still buzzing from my experience at Brix & Mortar last night! I had been looking forward to trying their Dine Out menu all week and I was blown away. The intoxicating atmosphere infuses your stay as you feel romance in the air. A beautiful place to take someone you’d like to impress.
My wife and I were lucky enough to sit at the bar and soak in the knowledge of Brix’s bar expert Chris Mosey. Like a passionate university student, I literally broke out my note pad to jot down the jewels he was casually dropping. He taught us about Japanese Whiskey, obscure spirits, Belgium beers, and walked us through Brix’s incredible drink list. Just the learning experience was worth the price of admission.
Let the Journey Begin
Brix & Mortar is offering a $40 Dine Out Menu with a $48 upgrade. We opted for one of each as I justified my decadent choice in the name of research! For the appetizers, we had a light and delicious Kale Caesar and I gawked over Brix’s Albacore Tuna Tataki. The Tuna was seared perfectly laying on a bed of pickled cucumber, simply delectable.
Onoda Old Fashioned
Now it was time for Chris to impress us even further with his magical Onoda Old Fashioned. He began this cocktail by lighting a couple cloves of Anise on fire and incasing the smoke with the old-fashioned glass. While the glass was marinating in smoke he began mixing the old fashioned with Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey, Plum Wine, Smoked Pear Bitters, and Pimento Bitters. The smoked rinse glass added the perfect amount of aromatic flavor for a truly magnificent cocktail!
Enter the Entrees
For our main courses, I went all out and ordered the AAA Hanger Steak served with roasted shallots, baby potato and carrots, and topped with demi-glace. The presentation was only rivaled by the flavor of this immaculate dish.
My wife went for Chris’s recommendation the Grilled Wild Salmon served with warm potato salad (which is phenomenal), garlic aioli. Dungeness crab, and scallions. This dish is on the $40 menu and stole the show. We both agreed it was the best salmon dish we’d ever had!
Big Flavours in Little China
Savouring my delicious steak dinner and taking my time is something I rarely get to do. Brix has that laid-back vibe that encourages you to get lost in the moment and just enjoy. Our masterful mixologist Chris decided to take a walk down the wild side and made us Brix’s legendary Big Flavours In Little China. A magical mixture of Mandarin Vodka, Lychee Liquor, Fresh Lemon, Clove Spiced Pear, and Plumb Bitters. To our surprised the cocktail is served in a Chinese food take out container, hysterical! Love the sense of humor, it shows that although Brix & Mortar is high end and sophisticated the staff and patrons are there to have a good time!
Growing up in a humble setting I never had the chance to experience fine dining. It makes it that much more special for me when I have the honour of enjoying a true culinary experience. Brix’s Dine Out menu is a magnificent example of why Dine Out was started. To give everyone a chance to expand their horizons. Chris Mosey took us on a cocktail journey that inspired and educated and for that I am very thankful. The intoxicating atmosphere, libations, and company made this Dine Out experience one I’ll never forget.
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