Not too interested in prix fixe menus and cliché Valentine’s Day specials? I feel you.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine’s Day and this is not an anti-Valentine’s Day article, but sometimes you rather avoid the crowd, have a low-key night, or even do something fun and exciting that’s not “couple-y”.
You don’t have to have a valentine on Valentine’s Day and I’m all for good company, food, and ambiance regardless of the day. Sure, I usually prioritize food, but sometimes I want an after-dinner spot with a good vibe.
I tend to stick to fancy places with live music supporting local talent, so here are some of the sophisticated yet vibrant lounges I enjoy.
The Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
They have well-made cocktails and an ever-changing list of local talent providing live music seven days a week. There is a good mix of locals and tourists and while it might come off as pretentious, people seem to always be having a good time. There’s singing, dancing, mingling and relaxing and it’s easy to absorb the energy.
Prohibition at The Rosewood Georgia Hotel
Finally! The long awaited Prohibition opens on Feb. 12. I got the sneak peek and it was love at first sight. The room is ultra sexy and it’s an excellent balance of classy, timeless and contemporary. Local graphic designers Nancy Wu and Johnathon Vaughn aced the feel and look.
I recommend the signature Hotel Georgia cocktail, originally from 1945. Other cocktail snacks include crispy pig ears (think shoestring fries) with sweet, sour and spicy dipping sauce; very good spiced fried chicken winglets; blistered shishito peppers; grilled pineapple salad with blood orange and chilled jalapenos; pretzel bread; duck poutine; sustainable Northern Divine caviar; and my favourite, the black truffle paté from Oyama served with ice wine jelly.
Shared snacks range from $10-15 with the exception of the 30-gram tin of local and sustainable caviar, which is $150. It’s a high-end spot, but given the context, it’s expected and there is live music and occasional live entertainment, including classy burlesque dancers.
Singles Awareness Week at The District Brasserie
It’s nothing fancy and there’s no live music, but they are doing something new. It is the first ever Singles Awareness Week from Feb. 8-12 at The District Brasserie in North Vancouver. I haven’t been in a few years, but I recall amazing frites (legit ones, like the ones in Belgium). For the week they are also offering $2 off Belgian beers, cocktails and martinis, and giving away $50 gift cards as prizes.
Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.
