As we’re right in the middle of Vancouver Foodster’s Pizza Challenge, I mulled over the list of contenders around town. With 14 restaurants spread out across Vancouver, Burnaby, and Maple Ridge, it was hard to pick a pizza from all the entries.
What did catch my eye though was Grain Tasting Bar’s Duck Prosciutto Pizza, prepared by Grain Tasting Bar and Mosaic Grill Chef Thomas Heinrich. The pizza is loaded with candied walnuts, arugula, balsamic reduction, shallot-infused goat cheese and topped with Oyama duck prosciutto. The crunchy, salty, sweet sensations on the palate were heightened by the arugula’s bite and thin, crispy pie dough. I can’t say enough good things about this pie: it has to be ordered and savoured.
I hope it will find its way onto the regular menu.
This special pizza is available daily (1-10 pm) for $15. I recommend one of Grain’s new cocktails, the Tatanka, a sweet mix of Zubrowka Bison grass vodka, Drambuie, apple juice, pear juice, passion fruit syrup and a splash of Angostura bitters on top.
If you’re a fan of licorice, try the Cypress Mountain Tea, a new offering on the cocktail menu. Created with rooibos-infused gin, Okanagan Spirits ‘taboo’ absinthe, blueberry juice, and Earl Grey syrup, it packs a mean punch. I’d easily see this paired with one of Grain’s build-your-own cheese and charcuterie boards.
Our hit of summer weather has been perfect for enjoying the restaurant’s tables by the open windows with great views of downtown. High enough to greet the trees, this space (and its prime location) is a winner for locals and visitors alike.
I also sampled some of the homemade hummus, nice and rich with a beautiful swirl of olive oil and thankfully lacking the heavy garlic taste that some hummus can pack. A generous portion of pita triangles arrives with the order.
The Vancouver Foodster Pizza Challenge is on now through July 14. From June 21 to July 15, vote for your favourite pizza(s) online.
Grain Tasting Bar is located at 655 Burrard Street and is open daily from 11 am to 1 am.
Disclaimer: My pizza and drinks were compliments of Grain Tasting Bar for the purpose of sampling their Vancouver Foodster Pizza Challenge entry.
