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(2.5) (2.9)I guess drinking is where the money is. The food was decent but the lounge atmosphere really takes away from the dining experience, at least for me. Decor is a bit odd. I am not entirely convinced by its somewhat nostalgic quasi flashy, quasi california 70s steakhouse look. Service was decent not sterling.
While certainly an upgrade from the awful Chianti's Restaurant which won't be missed, Trattoria Kitchen is more a concept/theme restaurant than a place for really great Italian fare. The food is serviceable, even secondary to the type of clientele they are pushing hard to attract with its overall design and ambience, which I found a cliche of urban chic rather than anything innovatively chic. However, the bartripping types of Vancouver won't know the difference between real design and derivative design. Classic pasta dishes should not be tampered with. That's why they are classic so penne arrabiatta should be simple, not adorned with anything else. Mediocre food in a catchy (though not eye catching) design.
The formula is huge proportions, served in marmites, lots of stewed meats in shallots and carrots, classic winter fare even in the heat of summer. What's not to like. Room is always festive ie crowded and loud. Restrooms are always a wait, only one men's unit for a rather large restaurant. Their clafouti is great.
The best part of the restaurant is the seating surrounding the open kitchen but that's not good if you are with a party or if you want a sitdown dinner without being distracted by the kitchen. The room itself is closeted off from the street and rather unattractive in its utterly square shape and peachy linen. The food is uneven. The steak I had was good but no more special than what I have had in many local steak houses. My mousse for dessert was not consistent enough. Service was servicable. Wine list is good. The room I found really unappealing to have spent good money spending two hours in.
Standard fare French food that in Paris would count as so-so, probably offered in some so-so cafe. The atmosphere is 'tinny' with barebones tables and decor. But, the food is perceived as moderately priced. But I found everything just a dull version of french classics. No matter this is not a restaurant for foodies as the room was packed and even a waiting lineup outside.
Seems I never hear much about Matisse but whenever I am in Victoria, that is where I choose to dine. The owners are really foodies (the last time I visited, I caught the owner reading through The French Laundry cookbook during the quiet evening) and I like the small intimate room. Very good high quality fare.
The owner is mad (in a good way). He took us down to the wine cellar and taught us how to open a wine bottle with a sword! The food imo is the best in Whistler. Everything was done to perfection. I found the chairs rather uncomfortable and it seems the owner designed them or something like that. He told me everything is the way he wanted it. Someone I respected him for it, even if my posterior did not. Will return.
This is one of the Vancouver area's best restaurants in any category. Still largely a big secret, I think, outside the Chinese community. So discreet in outward appearance, it is easy to miss even were you standing in front of the restaurant. Inside is like a jewel box with old Chinese chairs and tables. The pickled fish soup is out of this world, though I know it must be strange to complain about the huge portions. Excellent food. Very authentic tasting spicy Chinese food.
I know it is strong to say horrible food, but it was that. I ate a plate of lentils that was so toxic in vinegar it literally made my stomach queasy long after dinner. I found the menu a veritable jigsaw puzzle, something I am not good at. I also have no idea how much ounces of different meats look like--a steak yes but not anything else. Everything tasted either sugary or sour. My dessert was a mess which i won't even describe for fear of recounting it. One of the worst dining experiences food-wise (our server was lovely) I have ever had.
In the small alcove at the entrance, two awards on display, one for Gold for Best New Fine Dining at the most recent Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, the other for Silver in Best Design. I can see why. I have eaten there twice now and each time the food was great. The last visit I had a chicken dish that was out of this world. I like that all meats are organic and the fish is wild. Lovely little room. Service was a bit slow on one of the nights I was there but just barely. The most reasonably priced fine dining restaurant in Vancouver, imo.
