Grand Cru

Saturday night last minute dinner. Luckily for us - Cru had room at the bar. When people ask me where my favorite place is, this is it!
We had a bottle of Chateau Gaudrelle Vouvray to begin and followed up with the Township 7 Syrah! AND:

Half-dozen fresh-shucked local Oysters, on the half-shell, Thyme and cherry mignonette $12
Cellar Door Caesar, grilled with garlic butter croutons and shredded asiago $9
Beef tenderloin Carpaccio with caperberries, truffle aioli, shaved parmesan and crostini $12
Crispy Duck leg confit, warm bacon dressingfrisée salad and organic potatoes $15
Pan-seared Quebec Foie Gras, spiced apple compote, apple glaze $19

Fantastic meal. The carpaccio is one of the best in the city. The owner, Mark, served us and threw in an amazing chocolate pate to finish off the night.

Aurora on Main

Main Street has become home to many new restaurants, but let's not forget the folks who were one of the first to break into the area - Aurora.
Friday night dinner was excellent. All BC Wine list included some of my favs - Joie Chardonnay and Township Syrah.
Beef carpacio, halibut and duck breast cured our hunger!

Don't miss the weekly specials:

"Your Food, Your Wine @ Aurora"!
Alongside the regular menu, "Your Food, Your Wine @ Aurora" a fresh tasting menu is available each week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
For $48 per person, enjoy 3 regional dishes prepared by Chef Jeff Van Geest, each paired with a local wine from various British Columbia wineries.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
All summer long.
Call 604-873-9944 for reservations.

The Gram

I am fortunate to live right beside one of Vancouver's great restaurants, the Gramercy Grill. They've been through some changes of late and the revolving door has finally stopped swinging with the addition of the owner of The Ordinary taking on the kitchen duties! On the floor we will miss our "kitcat" waitress, Robin, but welcome the addition of Daryl. Trevor and Susan remain the top dogs and faithful servers Mark and Chico continue to survive!
Thursday night dinner with Andrea, Jean, Ross and Brian was a success. I tried the crispy seafood spring rolls and salmon with pillowy soft gnocchi.
I've got to stop going there so much if I am ever going to pay off my mortgage!

Wines and the Cannery

John Schreiner's new book Okanagan Wine Tour was good reason to bring him out to speak at the Cannery. Books to Cooks arranged the dinner and the wine was flowing. Menu below:
Smoked Paprika dustedseared Swordfish “Bacon”And green lentil salad
Joie Pinot Noir Rosé
Duck Consommé with smoked foie gras ravioli
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc
Roasted Sunshine Coast Sturgeon served with morrel faro risotto, green asparagus and tarragon lobster demi
Quails’Gate Pinot Noir
Caramelized Anjou Pear & Star Anise with bitter cacao Barry chocolate sauce
Mission Hill Family Estate Vidal Icewine