While Vancouver preps for another edition of Dine Out Vancouver Festival around the city, a group of us were given a preview of what Granville Island has in store for diners during the 17-day culinary fest, now in its 15th year.
[Beef Wellington, truffle mashed potatoes, market vegetables, red wine jus]
Dockside Restaurant (1253 Johnston Street) is offering up a $30 three-course menu with something for every palate. Appetizer and entrée choices (three each) include seafood, vegetables and meat. Think crab and shrimp cakes, Linguine Vongole with Manila clams, and traditional Beef Wellington with truffle mashed potatoes.
[Winter green salad with Manchego polenta croutons, French beans, herb vinagrette]
Save room for dessert! Chef Victor Jacinto and his talented team have created two on the Dine Out menu: Panna Cotta and chocolate and apricot mousse layer cake with fresh berries.
[Pacific cod and Pemberton potato pakoras]
For more adventurous palates, Edible Canada and Owner/Founder Eric Pateman have incorporated a $30 prix-fixe menu with a focus on local, seasonal and sustainable products from across Canada.
Pacific cod and Pemberton potato pakoras are brightened up with a side of jalapeño apple chutney and fresh mint while grilled Alberta lamb heart is richly adorned with Gaujillo adobo, cilantro and hominy corn grits.
[Haida Gwaii rockfish & mussel stew, Moroccan tomato broth, heirloom carrots, chickpeas, cilantro]
In the spirit of sustainability, you’ll also find Newfoundland seal pappardelle on the Dine Out menu. Pateman’s is the only Vancouver restaurant to include seal, a highly sustainable meat in case you’re left shaking your head in disbelief (as many of us did at first).
[Quebec rabbit orecchiette, mushrooms, confit onions, shaved Brussels sprouts, parmesan]
Quebec rabbit orecchiette with mushrooms, confit onions, shaved Brussels sprouts and parmesan is a sure-fire way to warm up from the cold snap we’ve endured these past few weeks.
And a gorgeous chocolate pot du crème is the perfect way to round off a meal at a lovely restaurant where diners can explore Canada’s culinary culture without leaving home. Find Edible Canada at 1596 Johnston Street.
[Chocolate pot du crème]
Art lovers will be happy to know that Art, Eat and Sip returns to Granville Island on January 25. Experience a night of art, local cocktails and sake, nibbles and macarons while visiting resident artists.
The evening will include a visit to Barbara Arnold Gallery, owned by the talented Dutch-born artist of the same name who’ll be exhibiting from her collection in addition to a few upcoming pieces in Latitude and Longitude (a spring exhibit taking place on April 28). Engage with the artists and take home a story rather than simply a work of art.
[Barbara Arnold]
This self-guided walking tour includes Off the Tracks Espresso Bar and Bistro, Granville Island Brewing, Artisan Sake Maker, Liberty Distillery and more. Barbara Arnold Gallery is located at 206-1656 Duranleau Street. Tickets are available online ($63 including taxes and fees).
[Maple walnut prawns]
Located close to the entrance of Granville Island, popular seafood eatery Vancouver Fish Company (1517 Anderson Street) is offering up both lunch and dinner three-course menus during Dine Out ($29 and $40 respectively).
Among the many options: hearty signature seafood chowder, maple walnut prawns dressed with sesame, Thai chicken curry, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, crab-stuffed Sole Wellington.
[Thai chicken curry, julienne vegetables, roasted peanuts]
[VFC seafood chowder]
Steak lovers can indulge in Steak Oscar (a seared skirt steak served with crab meat, baby shrimp, veggies, mashed potatoes and peppercorn jus). Mango sorbet and apple bread pudding round out the menu. Vancouver Fish Company has also included optional add-ons to enhance the experience (lobster, King crab, prawns, mixed grill, oysters). Executive Chef John McManus and team have done a fine job of creating menus that offer variety.
[Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese]
Dine Out’s culinary events, restaurants and prix-fixe menus are now online, so if you’re considering a new spot to discover or are ready to frequent an old fave, reservations are starting to fill up. Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest annual food and drink festival, runs from January 20 to February 5 with over 280 participating restaurants this year!
Follow along on social media! Instagram and Twitter: @DineOutVanFest, #DOVF, #MyDineOutStory
