VA2007 - La Vallee

Contemporary Wine Country Cuisine

Photos: Bruce Law
Seen Right: Mint Pesto Roasted Rack of Salt Spring Island Lamb with Red Zinfandel Reduction.

The Executive Hotel Vintage Park has added a new jewel to Vancouver's culinary crown with Restaurant La Vallée. This intimate and elegant downtown dining room for wine lovers is inspired by the New World's greatest wine regions: the Napa, Columbia and Okanagan Valleys. La Vallée’s specialty is contemporary wine country cuisine, where exquisite wines elevate inspired gourmet fare and vice versa. It's a match made in heaven.

The menu has been designed by celebrity Chef Gregory Short from world renowned Masa's Restaurant in San Francisco. Known for his uncanny ability to marry contemporary flavours with classic French themes, Gregory is one of this continent's greatest culinary stars, earning his impressive reputation by working as sous chef at the three star Michelin rated French Laundry in Napa Valley under iconic chef Thomas Keller. Bringing an intricate knowledge of local ingredients is chef de cuisine Tony Crisafi, formerly of Indigo Bistro at the Sheraton Wall Centre.

Evocative of a trip through the heart of wine country, this intimate space designed by celebrated local designer Caroline Boivert highlights natural elements like stone, distressed woods and wrought iron, accented by original artworks. A 25-seat garden patio, shrouded with fresh herbs and greenery, offers a secluded oasis for al fresco dining. The menu features Chef Gregory’s signature red wine braised beef short ribs, a stellar mint pesto crusted Salt Spring Island rack of lamb and an Earl Grey tea smoked trout salad; a twist on the traditional Cobb salad. Dessert brings a decadent Riesling poached pear, with vanilla génoise and cinnamon sorbet.

"Using the best product means you don't have to do much to the dish," explains Chef Tony. "My Italian roots say 'keep it simple' and my French training, 'present it well'." He adds, "The one ingredient you can't imitate is love; I'm very passionate about my cooking."

General Manager & Sommelier Pascal Charbeaux's carefully crafted wine list helps the cuisine to attain the level of sublime. Focusing exclusively on the 'Three Valleys,' his list is a vast array of small producers and rare vintages. A lively cocktail lounge features inventive libations and a secluded private dining room affords guests an intimate element of exclusivity.

Little touches like complimentary valet parking for their guests is a classic example of an unwavering attention to detail. "Success to me," confides Chef Tony Crisafi, "is happiness in the dining room."

Menu Highlights

Appetizers

Fire Roasted Cherry Tomato & Morrocan Black Olive Tapenade

West Coast Seafood Stew
In Cabernet Sauvignon – Tomato Broth

Earl Grey Tea Smoked Rainbow Trout Salad
With Fireweed Honey Champagne Vinaigrette

Watercress, Anjou Pear & Pecan
With Grand Marnier Orange Vinaigrette

Russet Potato Gnocchi & Smoked Salmon
With Chardonnay Wine Essence

Ahi Tuna Carpaccio
With lemon oil

Giant Prawn Martini

Dungeness Crab Cakes
With Piquillo Pepper Coulis

Main Courses

Forest Mushroom Ravioli
With Spanish Caper Beurre Noisette & Merlot Syrup

Herb Crusted Fillet of Queen Charlotte Halibut
With Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Lemon Broth

"Gregory ShortClassic"
Braised Prime Beef Short Rib with Red Wine Sauce

Pan Seared Wentzell Duck Breast

Sauteed Filet of Wild Spring Salmon
With Riesling Wine Scented Carrot Emulsion

Tenderloin of Nicola Valley Beef
With Truffle Sauce Bordelaise

Mint Pesto Roasted Rack of Salt Spring Island Lamb
With Red Zinfandel Reduction

Desserts

Riesling Wine Poached Okanagan River Valley Anjou Pear
with Cinnamon Pear Sorbet and Alsatian Riesling Syrup

Molten Chocolate Cake
With Thyme Scented Ice Cream

Fresh Berry Martini
With Vanilla Sented Whipped Mascarpone

Best of the Cellar

White Wines

Okanagan Valley:
Cedar Creek Platinum Chardonnay
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc
Sumac Ridge Private Reserve Gewurztraminer
Gehringer Riesling

Columbia Valley:
L 'ecole Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc
Seven Hills Pinot Gris

Napa Valley:
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay
Clos du Val
Etude Pinot Blanc
Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc

Red

Okanagan Valley:
Summerhill Pyramid Cabernet Sauvignon
Poplar Grove Merlot
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir
Osoyoos Larose

Columbia Valley:
Quilceda Cabernet Sauvignon
Leonetti Merlot

Napa Valley:
Joseph Phelps Meritage
Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon
St Supery Merlot

Above: La Vallée dining room.

La Vallée
Executive Hotel Vintage Park,
1379 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C., 604-696-6980
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