Where to go in Vancouver for a Special Occasion – Seasons in the Park

/in /by Ben McRae

We all have a friend, partner, or spouse that needs to feel extra special from time to time. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or you’re really in the dog house, a dinner at Seasons in the Park will solve all your problems! I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Seasons in the Park’s top-level service, hand crafted cocktails, and mouth watering dishes. These three components added with the amazing view inspired me to pay homage to this Vancouver gem.

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

As a married man, I’m fully aware of important dates throughout the year and the significance they mean to my wife. In my experience, an amazing dinner in a beautiful setting always does the trick! Seasons in the Park is perched on top of Vancouver’s highest point situated in Queen Elizabeth Park. The view is spectacular as you take in the entire city with the mountains painted in the background.

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

The service I experienced at Seasons was high level. Which is key when your celebrating a special occasion and you want everything to go smoothly. Our server guided us through the menus as we picked the Piquante Prawns and White Wine Mussels to start followed by the Veal T-bone and Red Wine Truffle Rack of Lamb!

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

I always take advantage of the house cocktail list and suggest sipping on their signature “The Vancouver”. Seasons in the Park has an impressive wine list and I loved how much they support BC wines. I sipped on Burrowing Owl’s Cabernet Franc pairing beautifully with the Veal T-bone and was taken to a place of euphoria. Add the world class view and you have the setting for the perfect night!

Next time you need to impress that special somebody, reserve a table at Seasons in the Park and let them do the rest!

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

For more information:

Jules Casual French Bistro

/in /by Ben McRae

If you’re looking for an authentic French experience, start your night out at Jules Casual French Bistro. Located in the heart of Gastown, Jules offers French cuisine at a very reasonable price. We all know a night out in Vancouver can be expensive, but if you plan your night right you might be surprised how reasonable it is!

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

Jules Bistro’s happy hour offers $5 glasses and $25 bottles of wine! The selections of wine at Jules Bistro provide a delicate yet sophisticated French taste that I’ve grown so fond of. What better way to accompany a delicious French wine than decadent appetizers! Jules offers $8 Happy Hour Food Menu with tasty dishes such as Mussels, Charcuterie Platters, and Crab Salad Rolls! Remember when I said a night out in Vancouver can be reasonable, you just need to remember when and where to go! Jules’s happy hour runs from 2:30pm – 5:30pm, Tuesday – Sunday. This makes Jules a prime spot for casually catching up with friends before you hit the town.

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

If you’re like me, a couple drinks during happy hour can turn into a full-blown dining experience! If you’re feeling the vibe and service, why leave? Which is exactly what happened to my date and I after a few rounds. How can you resist tantalizing options like Foie Gras and Escargot along with classic dishes like their Brome Lake duck confit!

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

The friendly and knowledgeable service team manages to be on point and yet give you space and time to wind down and relax. I’ve had experiences where I’ve felt rushed in Vancouver when having dinner and drinks. I’m not sure if it’s me, the server or if it’s a Vancity thing but that’s not how the French do it! Jules Bistro provides the calming romantic French vibe that is intoxicating. Next time you’re looking for a spot to have dinner and drinks, try Jules Casual French Bistro and remember to catch happy hour!

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

For more information:

Banter Room

/in /by Ben McRae

The Banter Room, located in the sometimes stuffy but always sexy Yaletown, is a breath of fresh air. The reason, it walks the fine line of being upscale, bougey, and classy without being pretentious. The Banter Room is like being at a friend’s house, if you’re friend is a millionaire and the best host ever!

banter room

photo by Ben McRae

We fell in love with the couch seating, the poutine, and the one of a kind Champagne vending machine! Yes, you are reading this correctly, they have a Champagne vending machine stocked with Moet! You have to check out Thursday nights for $30 mini btl’s and $100 full sized btl’s of Moet. A hundred dollars to pop fine Champagne in Yaletown! I never thought I’d see the day.

Banter Room

photo by Ben McRae

As I mentioned before, Banter Room cuts down the veils of pretension that plague Yaletown by offering Happy Hour and Daily Drink Specials in a comfortable yet refined setting. The inviting space combined with ultra cool staff will make you feel like you never want to leave, and that’s fine!

Banter Room

photo by Ben McRae

We love the family style platters as everything is meant to be shared among friends. This creates a social atmosphere and encourages us Vancouverites to open up and enjoy the beautiful people that inhabit this city. The Banter Room is a breath of fresh air and is spot you need to check out!

banter room

photo by Ben McRae

Happy Hour Daily from 2pm-5pm

$4 Hey Y’all + Banter Lager

$5 P49 Wobbly Pop Ale

$5.50 Nude Strawberry Kiwi Vodka Soda

$6 Malbec/Pinot Gris

 

For more information:

Juniper – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Dine Out Vancouver Fest is a time for trying that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to but somehow never have. Juniper, located in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown, has been on my list for a while and I finally had the pleasure of experiencing one of my new favorite spots!

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Juniper

I was instantly impressed by the extensive hand-crafted cocktail list boasting made in house syrups, tinctures, all made with premium spirits. The “Necessities” cocktail made with local espresso liqueur, aviation gin, rose wine, and an espresso gel rim is one of the best cocktails I’ve had in the last year!

The Dine Out experience offered by Juniper is about utilizing local makers and celebrating the best of the Cascadian region. Our first course consisted of beets, grilled with soft farmhouse cheese and roasted hazelnut or a choice of salmon, lightly cured with rye crackers and creme fraiche and dill vinaigrette. The dishes were delicate and rich and paired beautifully with their unique cocktails.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Dine Out is all about decadence! With this in mind my guest and I went for the $7 upgrade (well worth it) and indulged in the bison braised short rib on celery root puree with roasted sunchokes and heirloom carrots. The braised bison was tender and delicious! I had had a moment as I was enjoying this dish while sipping on a beautiful cocktail that reminded me why I’ve been passionately following Vancouver’s drinking and dining scene for the last 7 years.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Vancouver is constantly growing and developing which creates the platform for establishments to experiment and innovate! Whether it’s a cocktail list with ingredients you’ve never heard of or a dish you’d never think of. Experiencing the creativity of mixologists and chefs that let their passion shine through their creations is an elevated dining experience. Experiences like the one I had at Juniper adds to the culture of Vancouver as well as your own.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

As I said before, Dine Out is the perfect time for you to get out there and enjoy that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try. For me, it was Juniper. With it’s Cascadian-inspired fare and unique and extensive cocktail list, I’ll definitely be back!

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Granville Room – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Leah Bens

It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of downtown Granville Street. But hidden in in the nooks of Vancouver’s busiest streets you’ll find one of The Donnelly Group’s premiere cocktail taverns subtly rested; Granville Room.

granville room

photo by Leah Bens

Granville Room

Right off the bat we were introduced to a unique atmosphere, where the ambiance of a casual cocktail lounge met dainty sophistication. Everything from the brick walls to the nine-foot-high oak bar formed a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that’s not easily found within Vancouver’s bar scene.

With enthusiastic service and a welcoming cocktail menu, we were more than ready to kick off the night; And what better way than with Monday’s $7 Old Fashioned drink special?

Granville Room Dine Out Vancouver Festival

photo by Leah Bens

As inviting as the cocktail menu was, we were ready to dive into the Dine Out Vancouver Menu and their beautifully selected BC VQA wine pairings. Being as indecisive as we are, we decided to try all the different options as we could. For the appetizers we were shocked by the major flavour packed into the coconut fried prawns and the beef rib empanada. The Thinhorn Creek Merlot paired with the empanada was amazing, but it was the night’s only white wine pairing, the Desert Hills Voignier that really knocked our socks off (and at only $9 for a 6oz pour, you really can’t go wrong).

granville room in vancouver

photo by Leah Bens

But it was the entrees that really took the cake. We decided on the meatloaf grilled cheese paired with Quails Gate Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fried pork belly paired once again with the Thinhorn Creek Merlot. The caramelized onions and coleslaw in the grilled cheese were a bold spin on a classic—and did it ever work! But you really couldn’t top the unreal tenderness of the pork belly, something I had never tried before, but will definitely be back again for.

Granville Room Dine Out Vancouver Festival

photo by Leah Bens

We capped off the meal with both desserts, the chocolate praline bar and coconut panna cotta, which were the undisputed surprise of the night. Both were equally amazingly flavourful, and just the right size for a little treat. But of course, what would a dessert be without a fun cocktail to wash it down? We blindly chose the “Bye Felicia”, a completely unique spin on a coffee cocktail with Lot 40 Canadian Whiskey, and were surprised with blend of flavours that seemed to change with every sip. This was really the staple of Granville room’s vibe; a unique ambiance steeped with individuality. With the staff-run playlist setting the mood and the accommodating service by some of the friendliest bartenders I’ve met, you couldn’t help but feel good from the moment you walk through the doors. If you’re looking for a little retreat from the conventional, you can’t go wrong with Granville Room!

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $20 three-course menu.

For more information:

Central City Brew Pub on Beatty Street – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Central City Brew Pub Dine out menu is an amazing selection for $40! The flavour profiles blend together from selection to selection. We had the enjoyment of getting the full experience and left there feeling very satisfied and yes, more than a little buzzed! The portions are the perfect size with all plates having a balance and combination of delicious elements.

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

Central City Brew Pub on Beatty Street

For the first course we ordered Leek and Aged Cheddar Soup boasting their own Red Racer Pilsner broth which was hearty and a great warm up for our main course. The beautifully plated and even more delicious Seared Branzino, served with a warm Mediterranean chick pea salad and kalamata olive buerre blanc. You can also indulge your taste buds with the Red Racer Pale Ale Braised Lamb Shank, with gorgonzola pearl barley risotto and butter poached broccolini.

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

With over 40 taps Central City is one of those breweries you never know what to order because you want to try absolutely everything! The trendy yet cozy atmosphere combined with their knowledgeable staff bring a welcoming charm (our server brought a mystery beer and she absolutely nailed it with the Dogwood London Fog). Their cocktail list ranges from classics to up and coming flavors which caters to everybody.
I’ve been preaching all week that if there is ever a time to Dine Out, this is it! Do yourself a favour and check out Central City Brew Pub on Beatty street (right across from BC Place). It’s a time for everyone to shake off the winter blues and enjoy amazing culinary experiences!

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Joe Fortes – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Dine Out Vancouver Fest is a magical time of the year where participating restaurants offer a three-course menu at a subsidized price. The original idea spawned from high end restaurants attracting new guests in a normally slow time. The beneficiaries are the beautiful people of Vancouver who get to dine like a movie star without having to break the bank.

Joe Fortes

In my opinion no other restaurant does Dine Out better than Joe Fortes. Rich with historical ties to Vancouver, Joe Fortes is the perfect blend of high end fine dining without the pretention. The three course $40 menu they’re offering is truly a special deal. I had the pleasure of dining at my favourite spot downtown and it’s left me gushing about it to everyone!

For my first course I indulged with their Albacore Tuna & Sockeye Salmon Crudo with Miso Aioli. Crudo means raw in Italian and this dish reminded me of a sashimi salad with sliced tuna and salmon on a bed of pickled vegetables.

joe fortes seafood & chop house

photo by Ben McRae

For my main I had to go with the New York Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. I was amazed at the size of this beautiful, cooked to perfection, succulent steak. Sometimes you get restaurants cheaping out a bit during Dine Out due to the lower priced menu, not Joe Fortes! They keep the value coming and make sure every guest leaves satisfied.

joe fortes seafood & chop house

photo by Ben McRae

Of course you must finish of your meal with a cocktail and one of their delicious desserts. I went with their Creme Brulee which was the perfect end to a perfect meal.

joe fortes seafood & chop house

photo by Ben McRae

The reason why I love Joe Fortes is because they embrace the spirit of Dine Out by treating their beloved guests to an experience you won’t forget. I urge you to take advantage of this once a year opportunity!

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Black + Blue – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Now that Dine Out Vancouver is upon us it’s time to start treating ourselves to the finer things in life at a price that’s easy to swallow. There’s no better spot for that than Black + Blue by Glowbal Restaurant Group. We were invited to a Dine Out preview with them last week and are excited to recommend them as a must-visit during this year’s event.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

Black + Blue

In the words of their head chef, they’re getting back to solid cooking and avoiding overly complicated dishes to make sure that guests get the full enjoyment of the items on the plate. Their Dine Out menu stays true to this, and there is something for everyone on the spread, including fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. But, of course, steak. As the chef himself puts it: “we’re a steakhouse.”

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

To start, they have the options of a hearty and wholesome mushroom soup, a cheesy kale caesar salad, and a pork shoulder terrine that will make want a second instead of a main. But the main course is the real hero here – your choice of a harissa-crusted tuna loin, Jasper grilled tofu, and, of course, a savoury slow-roasted striploin with potato gratin and smoked onion jus. All of the entrees are fantastic, but they ensure that they impress with the steak option. The striploin, carved into two slices for easy sharing, will melt in your mouth while you wonder if you can order a cup of jus to sip on. To finish, they’re serving a black forest cake that anyone will still have room for. At $40, the meal is truly a steal during the Dine Out season.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

The room itself feels like you’ve taken a trip to when dining was a real and elegant experience. You can enjoy an expansive three-level space, anchored by a ‘cloud of gold’ that can be viewed from wherever you are in the room. From their display of the finest cuts of steak available in town, to their phenomenal service, you feel confident that you’re in the hands of a top-tier restaurant.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

BLACK + BLUE
1032 ALBERNI ST
VANCOUVER, BC
V6Z 2V6

(604) 637-0777

glowbalgroup.com/blackblue

 

Taco Tuesdays at El Camino’s on Main Street

/in /by Ben McRae

Tuesday’s have never tasted better! El Camino’s, located on Main and 16th, is a small Latin American inspired restaurant that serves nothing but big flavours! Enter the doors with a warm welcome and instantly be captivated by the unique setting and vibe. Let their knowledgeable and charming bartenders recommend drinks while telling stories about the origins of many of their delicious tequila’s and mezcals.

el caminos taco tuesday

photo by Ben McRae

Taco Tuesday’s featuring 2 tacos for 6$ (frijoles were our favourite ?) as well as their amazing happy hour specials make El Camino’s a staple for us! $3 el tigre shots are great way to wash down tacos and complimentary tajin seasoned popcorn. If you’re looking for a unique spot where you’ll definitely have a blast with friends check out El Camino’s on Main Street. Do yourself a favour and hit it during Happy Hour!

el caminos happy hour

photo by Ben McRae

El Camino’s Glorious Happy Hour?
• MAIN ST. PILSNER $4
• EL TIGRE SHOT $3
• PALOMA COCKTAIL $6
• HOUSE RED & WHITE $5

MONDAY TO THURSDAY: 5-6pm & 10PM-CLOSE
FRIDAY: 4-6pm & 10PM-CLOSE
SATURDAY: 3-6PM & 10PM-CLOSE
SUNDAY: 3PM-CLOSE

el caminos taco tuesday

photo by Ben McRae

el camino taco tuesday

photo by Ben McRae

For more information:

East Vancouver Brewing Company

/in /by Bella Tang-Graham

Living just a couple blocks away from East Vancouver Brewing Company’s Commercial and Venables location, I’ve been eagerly waiting for a chance to check out the newest addition to East Vancouver’s abundant craft breweries. Watching their progress since early last spring has built up the suspense: finally, on one of these twilight-zone foggy nights we’ve been getting in Vancouver recently, I stopped in for a beer.

east vancouver brewing

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

East Vancouver Brewing Co.

East Van Brewing Company opened its doors in early November, boasting a spacious tasting room, industrial-chic décor, an ACDC pinball machine and a wide variety of indulgences like local pickles from Kaylin and Hobbs, calzones from Bianca Maria Italian Foods and of course, many hoppy, yeasty libations. We were especially intrigued by the Humble Hive English Brown Ale, brewed in collaboration with local company EastVan Bees, who manages hives all over East Vancouver, producing what their website identifies as “hyper-local neighbourhood honey”– “taste the flavor-hoods”! The Humble Hive Ale is imbued with a sweet, honeyed undertone courtesy of East Vancouver’s bees, chocolate malt, and English hops. Other stand-outs include the Jive House Ale, brewed with Norwegian Farmhouse yeast strains and Pacific Northwest Hops to produce a fruity, tart, unconventional brew, and the crisp, easy-drinking Community Lager (also available in six-packs if you’re the take-home type).

east vancouver brewing

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

Community Roots

The brewery is a tribute to the community from which it draws its name. You’ll find East Vancouver roots everywhere: the flights of six are arranged in a cross shape, reflexive of the iconic East Van sign at Clark and Great Northern Way. A couple of beers deep, I can confidently attest that East-Vancouverites like myself will immediately feel at home and embrace East Van Brewing with open arms: eagerly riding in on our road bikes for a beer, a growler fill, and a hipster-aesthetic fulfilling East Van Brewing Company hoodie (available for 39$ for those of you who want to look like “that craft beer guy”).

east vancouver brewing

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

east vancouver brewing company

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

For more information: