Dine Out Vancouver is back for 2009! Since January is usually one of the quieter months for restaurant business (with deterrents like tighter wallets, overconsumption over the holidays, and New Years Resolutions), Dine Out gives us thrifty foodies an excuse to try out a wide assortment 3-course meals. Besides, why pay $18 for a ‘Feenie-inspired’ dish (read: 6 pieces of ravioli), when you can pay the same amount for an appetizer, entrée and dessert, prepared by a chef who may very well be the next Rob Feenie?
Central Bistro
I tried my first Dine Out meal of the year at this quaint restaurant on Denman (formerly known as the Brass Monkey, once upon a time). I believe I had tried this restaurant before — either for a previous year’s DOV event or to use an Entertainment Book coupon. But since I couldn’t recall, I had hoped that my visit this time would be more memorable than the last.
When we arrived at 6pm, the place was almost deserted with only one other party there, but it quickly filled up soon after. Some were there just for a regular meal, not knowing that the restaurant had a DOV option; while others, like us, had made the trip there just to try out their $18 menu.
Our waiter greeted us and provided a list of loose-leaf teas when I had asked about the restaurant’s selection of teas. I haven’t seen a restaurant carry such a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, so that was a surprise. I had the creamy orange rooibos, which was very nice, but unfortunately I was too congested to taste it completely.
For starters, my friend ordered the Butternut Squash soup and I had the Clam Chowder. Both soups had a thick consistency and were accompanied by soda bread. The portion size might have been viewed as being on the smaller side, but it was just right for me since it was quite a filling dish. The Clam Chowder had a rich flavour, but it was reminiscent of a thick potato gratin than a seafood chowder.
For our entrées, I ordered the shortrib, which also came with a parmesan spaetzie and tomato compote. The shortrib was nice and tender, while the “mac and cheese”-like side dish was actually a nice pairing to the beef. My friend had the Lamb Shank, with goat cheese mash. It was a leg of lamb, which was okay, but I would have preferred more herbs and meat that was more moist. I only tasted a bit of the mash by accident, and found the goat-cheese a bit too overpowering to the entire dish.
For dessert, I was going to order the apple pie, but ended up getting the New York Cheesecake since it was highly recommended by our waiter. It was alright, but wasn’t exactly to-die-for. But the fresh berry compote was a nice touch. My friend had the chocolate mousse, which tasted nice with a layer of rhubarb puree.
You get your money’s worth for a $18 meal. The ambience was nice and the service was great (our waiter was so funny), but I felt they tried to fit too many tables in a small space. Of course it didn’t help that the impatient tourist behind me was oblivious to the fact that he was ramming his chair against mine, every time he got up, which was at 5 minute intervals. But overall, it’s a great DOV option and you can’t go wrong at $18!
OK fine, I didn’t contest, it was probably a strip, HAH)
