Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Italian
La Pentola della Quercia
(322 Davie St., 604/642-0557, 7am-3pm and 5pm-10pm daily,
$26-30), in the Opus Hotel, is a stylish, energetic bistro at the street level of Vancouver's
hippest hotel. The northern Italian menu blends easily with the young, money-to-burn
crowd—and prices are not as outrageous as you may imagine. The lunch menu changes
with the season, and à la carte choices include delicious osso bucco.
Seafood
Slick and chic,
Coast
(1054 Alberni St., 604/685-5010, from 5:30pm daily, $27-38) is a
cavernous dining room that bristles with energy. It was formerly a warehouse, and the in-
dustrial feel has been softened with a light color scheme and modern furnishings. You can
sit outside, but the view isn't very pleasant. The menu of fresh seafood is a knockout from
beginning to end. Start with a seafood nectar, such as clam chowder with smoked bacon,
which comes with chunks of sourdough bread for dipping. Then move onto entrées such
as tempura-battered halibut with aromatic spiced fries or one of the seasonal grill choices,
which may include ahi tuna or wild salmon.
A throwback to the overindulgence of the 1980s,
C
(1600 Howe St., 604/681-1164,
11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-11pm Mon.-Fri., 11am-2pm Sun. brunch, $29-39) employs
oneofCanada'sbrightestyoungchefstodeliverimmaculatelypresentedseafoodinachic-
industrial setting. Encompassed within shiny white walls, tables are spread out, with patio
settingssoakingupthewaterviewsandafewupstairsinamoreintimateenvironment.For
lunch or dinner, the Russian caviar or the shucked oysters provide ideal (but expensive)
starter dishes to share. The salmon tasting menu for $55 (the only salmon-free course is
dessert) is a delightful way to experience this local delicacy. Main meals offerings change
with the seasons, with halibut, salmon, and Alaskan crab regular staples.
Wraps
In the vicinity of Yaletown, you'll find
Steamrollers
(437 Davie St., 604/608-0852,
10am-10pmMon.-Sat.,11am-8pmSun.,$5.50-10),atstreetlevelofaresidentialhigh-rise.
What at first looks like just another trendy little big-city café is in fact one of Vancouver's
best-value eateries. The name “Steamrollers” is derived from the process of steaming tor-
tillas before they are rolled up as burritos around a wide variety of steamed fillings and
thenwrappedintinfoil.Thefinishedproductisabsolutelymassive(myfaveisthechicken
