Its that time of year again. Oh, you thought I meant Fall? No, I was referring to Taste of Yaletown, back for its ninth year of feasting and frolicking.
Many might think that Yaletown is no longer Vancouvers dining mecca, but the many established and new restaurants that have made their home here have kept this former warehouse district thriving with restaurants, lounges, cafés, bakeries, and choice retail outfits.
Its interesting to see how its changed over the years, says Neil Wyles, owner and chef at the Hamilton Street Grill, and past president of the Yaletown BIA. When I opened the restaurant over 17 years ago, there were just a handful of places here. Now there are over 60 restaurants and cafés within a few short blocks.
This year, the festival is featuring lunch menus, as well as multi-course dinner menus for $25, $35 or $45. Three are also special events this year, like the beer, bacon and chocolate pairing event at Xoxolat, or the farmers market dinner at the Roundhouse, featuring some the citys top chefs.
And, for downtown workers and residents, there will be a free lunch trolley running every Thursday and Friday during the festival.
Here are some of my top picks from the established dining spots in the neighbourhood. Stay tuned next week for my top picks among the new arrivals.
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton St. / 604.331.1511
Its not just about the steaks, although those are pretty darn tasty. Look for options like the exotic mushroom tart with local goat cheese and a hearty cassoulet with roasted pork loin, Toulouse sausage and duck confit.
Provence Marinaside
1177 Marinaside Cresc. / 604.681.4144
Consistently outstanding Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on southern France makes this an annual favourite. Dont miss out on desserts like their famous clafoutis or lemon tart.
Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar
1138 Homer St. / 604.915.9463
Contemporary Canadian cuisine, over 60 wines by the glass, and a fantastic year-round glass-covered and heated courtyard patio that reminds one of English gardens and starlit nights.
For full details, visit http://yaletowninfo.com/events/taste-of-yaletown/
Anya Levykh has been writing about food, wine and restaurants for more than a decade for various media outlets. Hear her weekly food segment every Monday at 5:50pm on CBC Radio Ones On the Coast, follow her on Twitter @foodgirlfriday and catch up at FoodGirlFriday.com.
