I’ve always considered Vancouver’s West Restaurant a special occasion kind of place, where you’d celebrate your anniversary, toast your book contract, or woo a serious new love.
So I was excited to learn about their “Elements” menu, featuring small plates that let you sample Chef Quang Dang‘s first-rate contemporary creations, without committing to a multicourse, megabucks meal.
My husband Alan and I recently had the opportunity to do a tasting of several Elements dishes, most of which range from C$9-14 each. Here are the highlights:
Honey mussels, stuffed with spinach and fried into a crispy fritter, with a dab of lemon puree to punch up the flavor. A perfect bar snack!
Gnocchi, puffy little potato pillows, served with a sage brown butter and topped with fresh parmesan cheese.
Brussels sprouts, sprinkled with shallot-flavored bread crumbs. Even if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this fresh and simple preparation may convert you to the Brussels sprouts camp.
Tofu cheesecake wrapped in an omelet crepe, paired with roasted pineapple and mango. Yes, it tasted like cheesecake, and yes, it was delicious. The most unexpected dish of the night!
If you go…
West Restaurant, 2881 Granville Street (at W. 13th Avenue), Vancouver, BC, 604-738-8938, serves their Elements menu nightly. A selection of Elements dishes is also available at lunch.
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<em>Tasty Travels!</em>
<h3><span style=”color: #800000;”><em>Carolyn</em></span></h3>
<em>Photo credits:</em>
Photos © Alan Albert