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Rare wines, rare cooking technique and rare cuts of steaks, fish, oysters and seafood; using only sustainable and wild stocks.
Mmmmm another great dine out experience. It was my first time trying RARE and will definitely come back. The rootbeer shortribs were fantastic! They fall off the bone, melt in your mouth, and were very flavourful! Appies and dessert delivered as well, all very inventive and fun.
I particularly liked the palette cleanser which came as a drink instead of the cliche sorbet. Very refreshing.
Service took a small hit only because there was a lack of communication and another server started filling our glasses of Pellegrino with water... they later apologized and replaced the Pellegrino of course -- no biggie. There was a lull between some courses, and they didn't serve the group I was with all at once for two courses (bringing 2 people their food, while the other 2 had to wait 5 min before their food showed up... kinda sucks when you're staring at the food but can't eat to be polite lol) But in general, the server was very knowledgable, friendly and professional.
This is the second best dine out restaurant I've tried! =)
We had a lovely evening at Rare last night.
Food was solid. The portions were adequate. We were full when we finished dinner. Like the other diners mentioned we received many little extras, Fennel cake, Cranberry and lime spritzer and almond coconut macaroons. These were really nice touches. Hubby had the roasted garlic and potato soup and I had the mushroom tart. They were both well prepared and very flavourful. Homemade flax and sourdough bread was served with dinner. It was wonderful bread. For the main course we both had the Cornish game hen. The hen itself was terrific. It was nice and moist and with the mole sauce it was nice and spicy. The masa cake it was served with was disappointing - very dry and heavy. For dessert hubby had ginger cake and I had the chocolate many ways. I think the chocolate was the better of the two, again I found his ginger cake to be on the dry side. Wine prices are extremely high - there is nothing under $50.00 on the menu.
Service was very good. Our server came back during each course to see if everything was okay. Our water was continually topped up.
Ambiance was also great. It's a beautiful room. It was very busy when we were there. I don't know what the deal is with taking pictures of your food. We had a table behind us that had 4 people with cameras and they took pictures of every course with 3 or 4 cameras as it was bought to their table. How annoying to have the constant flash of cameras during a nice dinner. It's just about as bad as people who talk on cell phones during your evening out.
Based on our experience I don't know whether we would want to pay the regular prices. There is probably better value out there.
Said wifey here. El Zorrow and I left the restaurant with our tummies full, our tastebuds challenged, and quite happy.
This was our first time at this restaurant. I kept my expectations in check but have heard good things about this restaurant, as well as the unusual flavours they try to create.
Portion size was excellent. We were not able to finish every plate, but most of it was happily consumed. As EZ mentioned, I really enjoyed the pine mushrooms. My chocolate desserts were fantastic. EZ's elk was divine.
The drawbacks included a "beet ravioli" that was hard and too "earthy" (and I love beets), and the excessive use of foam. To the chef with respect: the size of your foam does not mean you have big feet. Foam was used in way too many items, including the palate cleanser which was a minty seltzer that felt like drinking toothpaste (foam + sweet minty liquid). I do have to admit that I don't like foam in my food, period, and it just isn't this restaurant's foam that turned me off. Foam in my food reminds me of spittle.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed the chef's creativity, even though in retrospect I prefer "traditional" flavour combinations. That is why I am unsure if I would return. However, I would highly recommend this restaurant because it is an interesting and enjoyable experience.
I had gone during the Jan 07 dine out to find out what all the hype was about this restaurant. At that time I thought the food was okay but not stupendous.
I have it another try last week and was not impressed. We had the chef's tasting menu and I found it kind of lackluster. One friend wanted a salad, but this is not on the menu, they did make something up.
I found the food hade too many weird combination of tastes. The best item was the seared ahi tuni, but the savoury icecream added on top was not a good complement.
As for the main course the veal tournades were kind of cold when the plates came to the table. One person had the halibut and another ordered the tenderloin on the menu, both did not have any complaints.
Since we had 2 people that were lactose intolerent I would have expected the server to find something that they could have even if it was not on the menu. Nope, they still got the rubarb item with ice cream.
Service was okay.
Disappointed again, so no repeat visit for me, I think twice is enough.
We have dined at this Rare establishment a few times now, and always spectacular food and service. The service staff is well trained and attentive, from a warm greeting at the door, to food and wine suggestions. Our drinks were never empty, and a waiter was always there when we needed him.
Recently we had the tasting menu, everything was absolutely spectacular, but real standouts were the pickled mussles, nice and tender...and surprising in flavour, and the black bass with a green tomato broth, very nice.
We will definitely be returning here in the near future.
I'm originally from Germany, have lived all over the world and moved to Vancouver this year. I've been sampling the various local gourmet temples and have been most positively surprised by the quality, freshness, unique & friendly style this hidden gem has produced. Excellent place for a romantic night out with your lady if you can appreciate petite but decadent portions. Decadent in their quality not quantity. Although, the wine pairing pours are generous and even at the $40 level for 6 glasses at a surprising quality level. This is a place for food lovers & lovers of slow food. Don't dine & dash here. Forget about the movie afterwards, this place is the main event. We sat for over 4 hours, pacing ourselves through their delightful 6 course Chef's choice and "Your Choice" menus. I will be back at least once a month, as the menu changes frequently with the seasons. Recommended for foodies, internationally spoilt gourmets (Oui, c'est moi :) and anyone enjoying a quiet, non-rushed evening with warm and attentive service. Wow, and this place is 10mins walk from where I live.
Bon Appétit!
I love this little restaurant. I had the chance to accompany a friend for their dine out reservations after their S/O couldn't attend. The nice touch of an amuse bouche, palate cleanser and a pre-dessert all included in the $35 menu was really a stand out. I found the service to be prompt, courteous and professional. My napkin was re-folded when I returned from the washroom, it is the little details that make a restaurant shine. My cornish hen was so moist and tender that it made me wish that they would continue this menu all year. The chocolate many ways for dessert met every expectation that my sweet tooth had. The wine list is extensive with wines from $40 to $1100, something for everyone and the staff and manager are very helpful when it comes to recommendations. I left feeling extremely content. Since DOV ends soon (i see that Rare is extending their menu until the 10th of February) I guess I will have to go back soon to try their seasonal $45 menu. A few less lattes at Starbucks and the $10 difference is easily made up. I definitely recommend Rare.
Dine Out at Rare was a great overall experience, from the food, service, to the atmosphere. We had read good reviews about the restaurant despite past stories of slow service (that was a couple of years ago) so we decided to go with Rare. On the contrary, the service was friendly, attentive and prompt. Water constantly filled and napkins folded. Also, despite the fact that a member of our party was a bit late we didn’t feel pressured at all to hurry.
All were satisfied with our meals. While not quite as intricate and subtle as West, we all felt that the flavors of the appetizers and entrees were remarkable. A couple of people felt the cheese was their favorite desserts, the spice cake was a bit to strong for me but the carrot mousse was innovative. I was satisfied with my chocolate trio, especially the dark chocolate tart. The Cornish hen was moist and just the right flavor with the mole sauce, probably more subtle than the shortribs which were falling off the bone and full of flavor. The person who ordered the tuna quite liked her dish and even liked the beans on the side even though she typically doesn’t like beans. I don’t think I could get enough of the wild mushroom tart, which was a highlight for me.
But I think the overall highlight came in the form of the little surprises in between the dishes. I had read briefly that other people experienced something of the sort but I didn’t read in detail so as to not expect it for our meals. They initially brought us this tiny square savory fennel cake before our appetizer, then later a little concoction of lemongrass/grapefruit to cleanse the palate, and finally a crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside and ever so light macaroon. There is no doubt in our minds that this was a close to perfect dine out night.
After all the feedback I have read...i can't wait to go to Rare. and it's didn't make me disappointed from the first step i go into the place, the impression gave it is a warm and romantic. Our server is really friendly and all the food and cocktail he recommand is really outstanding. $35 for a 3 course meal end up with a 6 course dinner. The first treat we have before our starter is really tasty and the homemade bread is really good too. The started please dont miss the mushroom tart and the duck I have is really good too. Then my husband got a roasted Veal for his main course is unbelievable stunning and the chicken i have is really really crispy the treat between is a little cocktail, which is a suprise. and then the treat between my dessert OMG is too nice.
The meal end up with a wonderful chocolate many ways desset. the hot white chocolate milk....please if you dont miss this one and my husband have a cheese to finish his dinner which is also good too. I will go back to Rare again. I love it. dont miss this restaurant for DOV 2008. I scare they will not on the dine out list next year.
I went to Rare with my boyfriend for Dine Out Vancouver after hearing about it from friends who are regulars there. I can see why they are fans of the place. I was a bit surprised by the simplicity of the room when I first walked in but after I was sat and a complimentary starter was put in front of us I began to settle in and feel cozy. Simple but well presented decor, the chairs are so comfortable that I didn't want to get up to leave. Service is polished and professional and all of our needs were met from having our napkin refolded after I got up to use the ladies room to our ice water topped off with out every having to ask. The braised ribs that I had for my entree melted in my mouth and the dessert of chocolate many ways brought a smile to my face that I still have. I am hoping my boyfriend was smart enough to make a reservation for Valentine's there. I can't wait to return.
This restaurant is really rare and wonderful. From amuse-gueule to dessert and specialty coffee, everything was impeccable. Even a little glass of lemongrass-infused iced green tea to cleanse your palate is unforgettable. You shouldn't rush at this restaurant. No movie, no theatre, no nothing after dinner. Just enjoy the time there and mellow out with their beautiful dinner.
I just had a wonderful dining expereince at Rare. The staff were welcoming and very attentive. The wine pairings were perfect and the food was a flavour sensation in my mouth! You have got to try the cauliflower soup! I chose the tasting menu and enjoyed how Chef Wang (so young and fresh and passionate about his cullinary creations) explained each dish to us. It was a perfect evening. I highly recommend Rare!
Amazing and delicious. Worth every penny...and much more. I also had the cornish hen. so delicious, and moist and tender. The 3 course menu turned out as a 5 course dinner...a pleasant surprise there. Love it when a business provides unexpected extras...makes life much more enjoyable.
Service is spectacular, and unlike previous reviewer, we did not find it slow at all. It was timed perfectly for the style of food and atmosphere. We were able to chat, and take small breaks between each course, and did not feel like we were being rushed through...a common problem at DOV restaurants.
If this is the 'discounted' experience, I look forward to returning for the full meal deal really soon.
Having been to the majority of the fine dining in Vancouver, I can say with some authority and confidence that this establishment is amongst the top when it comes to service. Food and ambiance? Well those things don't quite live up to the idea of being "rare". In fact, they are a bit more common relative to the other purveyors of upscale dinning.
Food: My reason for depriving rare of the fifth star would be difficult to justify at an objective level. Let me give you some insight; when I dine, I focus on trying not to compare dishes in relative terms, but instead in absolute terms. Imagine comparing Da Vinci to Warhol, both great artists (in their respective times), but with completely different perspective when approaching the concept of "art". Therefore I find it unfair to compare one head chef to another. I feel their creations should be an assemblage of flavours unique to their personal style. So why only four stars? When I place an order for a chefs-tasting, I expect the chef to showcase their originality and flare more so than say if I ordered a la carte. While the dishes did demonstrate the chefs ability (best duck in the city) to cook, I felt it lacked in terms of creativity. Having rare ingredients is one thing, but having the ability to match those ingredients to others to create original flavours is what will earn this restaurant the commendation of "Incredible". Technically, everything was cooked to perfection. Nothing was undercooked or overcooked which is why I "only" gave ranked the food as outstanding.
I've used up the quota of max allowable characters, so I'll stop here. And yes, I would recommend rare :)
I usually hate to rate restaurants during their DOV times, but I couldn't help it since so many others are giving their input below.
After reading all those reviews, I was very excited. However, it was very disapointing. No, it wasn't my high expectations that created the disapointment, but perhaps it was just an off-night for the restaurant.
Food: The amuse bouche (the fennel cake described below) and duck proscuitto were quite good. My tuna was overcooked - the ends especially were so dry. It blew my mind that a restaurant of that calibre would allow something like that to be served. The dessert was just below average. I was unimpressed - my cookie tasted burnt and the brownie was very dry. The white hot chocolate was, however, excellent.
Service: It took nearly fifteen minutes for us to get menus, after about a ten minute wait for our table (even though we had reservations). I let the menu thing go because I figured they were just busy. The courses came out SO SLOWLY. That's probably WHY they give you the complimentary dishes in between, because they can't dish out the main dishes quick enough. It took 2.5 hours for us to complete our meal, with long waits between each dish. My friend waited 15 minutes for the mocktail she ordered at the beginning of the night. The waiter looked very rushed and frazzled everytime he came to our table. The lady who took our coats forgot what our coats looked like - sorry, but at Feenie's, CRU, or C, they would never "forget" and ask you what your coat looks like. There needs to be a better system. The lady at the front also did not seem like she appreciated our business at all, and was a bit pretentious in my opinion. Our water glasses didn't get refilled until dessert when I requested for it - that's two hours into the meal with one glass of water!
Ambiance: The room itself is gorgeous. I might go back for a non-DOV meal someday just to give Rare another shot because the ambiance saved its life.
This is simply a phenomenal restaurant. I've been there a few times now and it hasn't disappointed. If you're looking for a top quality fine dining experience, I highly recommend trying it out. The quality and originality of the food are unbeatable. So far my favourite items on the menu have been the duck and the cauliflower soup, which is definitely a must-try. The service is also excellent - you spend a fair bit of money there, but you walk away feeling like you've had a high end experience at the end of the night. The only negative thing I would say about it is that the room/ambiance leaves a bit to be desired, but that's neither here nor there when the quality and service are as good as they are.
I had a chance to go to Rare with a group from work. I had read the number of great reviews they recieved and went in with very high expectations. I have to say that each one was met. Personalised menus really was a nice touch as was having my napkin re-folded for me when I returned from the washroom. The food was well prepared and presented. No heavy sauces or fusion to confuse the flavours. We had the Seasonal Menu which was 6 courses for $45 a really great value in my opinion. The service was attentive without being overbearing. They paired wine with our courses and each one hit the mark. The room seems to be what is big in the city right now for new restaurant designs. Minimal but well thought out. I am excited to return again.
I had the chance to return to Rare recently with a group of friends. It was a busy night and we had the last table in the restaurant. We decided to let the chef cook for us and for the staff to pick our wine to pair with the meal. From the foie gras we started with to the cheese plate at the end and everything in between the experience was out of this world. The highlight was the caribou rack from Rankin Inlet. Dark purple in colour with more flavour than any piece of meat I have eaten in years. The service was top notch and every item was described from the cooking technique to the area it was grown in. The wines made each dish even better than they were on their own and vice versa. The room seemed sexier and more energetic than our previous visit and we came to the conclusion it was because of the customers in the restaurant who were all enjoying themselves, it was contagious. Hats off to this restaurant and the food and service that they are delivering. We cant wait to see what the chef cooks for us on our next visit, which will be very very soon.
My first and last encounter here. The service was excellent, the cutlery, crockery, glassware, table-linen, etc. first rate. My gripe is to do with the value for money aspect. Admittedly, all I had was an appetizer and the main meals may be very different.
I had the asparagus soup - interestingly served (the truffle oil, lobster, roe arrive alone on the plate, the soup poured in after the ingredients are pointed out). However, a) there wasn't much soup, b) the soup had cooled considerably by the time the explanation and pouring was done. My partner had the ravioli which, apparently, tasted very good.
I did appreciate the ability to have quiet conversation without having to shout. Too many places seem to consider it "cool" to crank the volume way up and then reduce their patrons to yelling and sign-language.
It wasn't even our anniversary and my boyfriend surprised me with a bouquet of flowers at the table. I like the personalized touch of having our names on the menus. I must say the food was spectacular but the service was lacking. There was only one server but the place is quite small. I had to ask for more bread at least four times before receiving any. I had to dine on bread for the most part because our elaborate six course meal took over three hours. Lots of time in between courses. But then again, the food was so good that the wait was worth it. I just wish the server was more attentive.
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