VA2007 - Le Gavroche

Intimate Setting for Lovers of Food, Wine and Romance

Photos: Bruce Law
Seen Right: Owner Manuel Ferreira.

Since opening in 1978, Le Gavroche has garnered more awards and accolades than proprietor Manuel Ferreira has room to display them. It's been named a Top Table by Gourmet Magazine, voted best place to kiss in the Pacific Northwest by Romantic Hideaways, lauded as Vancouver's most romantic by Where Magazine and the Vancouver Sun, and Zagat coos, "Every meal is a memory so magical you'll feel like the Eiffel Tower is right outside."

Ensconced in an elegantly refurbished two-story Victorian home in the West End, Le Gavroche is a serene oasis in the heart of the urban jungle. The cozy second floor dining room boasts an inviting fireplace and large north-facing bay windows that command sweeping views of the Coast Mountains, while a richly appointed private salon downstairs plays host to larger functions. Earth-toned walls showcasing local artwork and prominently displayed vintage wines, champagnes and cognacs is the setting for some of the best French dining this city has to offer.

An avid proponent of sustainability and eco-friendliness, Roger Chef LeBlanc is a member of both the Ocean Wise program and the Green Table Society. His affectation for responsibly sourced ingredients shines through on the plate, where his light touch with diver scallops contrasts with the lusty richness of his duck confit with Madeira wine reduction. The menu changes as the seasons do, and there are always luxurious 4, 5 and 8-course tasting menus with wine pairings to elevate the experience.

Recipient of the Wine Spectator's coveted Award of Excellence, Ferreira's extensive wine cellar is one of the best in the country. With over 34,000 bottles in his prized collection, his wine list runs long and deep. Rich in rare European vintages (anyone for a Chateau Mouton Rothschild from 1924?), New World heavyweights and research worthy upstarts from fledgling producers, the treasures within span the entire globe.

Exuding a charming old world élan, Manuel is the consummate host. Be it the attentive tableside preparation of 'le classique steak tartare', Caesar salad, flambéed crêpes Suzette or an optimal wine pairing suggestion, he and his talented wait staff make every visit a memorable one.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, Le Gavroche is renowned for inducing the heady rush of love at first sight; you may find yourself lingering longer than intended.

Menu Highlights

Hors D’oeuvres

Seared Diver Scallops
Red Wine Demi, White Beans

Kobe Beef Tartar
Pommes Pailles,Quail Egg, Cornichon

Crispy Veal Sweetbreads
Honey Braised Endives, Port Reduction

Dungeness Crab
Grapefruit, Olive Oil, Lemon

Smoked Salmon
Soft Boiled Egg, Asparagus Tips, Caviar

Seared Foie Gras
Spiced Brioche, Sauternes Gelée

Albacore Tuna Mi-Cuit
Tartare, Citrus Aiöli

Soupes

Mushroom, Truffle Essence, Shitake

Carrot, Gin, Ginger, Prawn Garnish

Salades

Caesar Salad
Prepared Table Side

Mimosa Salad
Smoked Salmon

Les Viandes

Lamb Rack
Mustard Crusted, Rosemary, Garlic Jus, Gnocchi

Duck Magret and Confit
Poached Pear, Madeira Sauce

Venison Tenderloin
Braised Cabbage, Huckleberry Sauce

Beef Tenderloin "Romeo Juliette"
Dungeness Crab Crust, Bordelaise

Free Run Chicken
White Beans, Roasted Garlic

Poissons Et Crustaces

Slow Roasted Potato Crusted Sablefish
Braised Greens, Fennel Lemon Thyme

Wild Salmon Filet
Celeriac Puree, Pesto Vinaigrette

Halibut

Scallops and Prawns
Rice, Basil, Pine Nuts, Cream

Vegetarian

Linguini Printaniere
Parmesan, Black Truffles

Wild Mushrooms
Goat Cheese, Puff Pastry, Chive Cream

Desserts

Crème Brulée with Vanilla, Lichi Li
Pairing: Château Romieu Sauternes 2001, Kerner Tinhorn Creek Late Harvest 2003

Soufflé with Grand Marnier, Raspberry
Pairing: Bastord Lamontagne Sauternes 1999, Symphony St-Hubertus 2003

Grilled White Peach with Coconut Ginger Sorbet, Rhubarb Strawberry Compote
Pairing: Moet & Chandon Nectar, Inniskillin Sparkling Ice Wine

Best of the Cellar

Château Mouton Rothschild 1900
Château Vieux Certan 1928
Château Latour 1961
Château D’Yquem 1967
La Tache DRC 1962
Beaunes Vignes Franches Louis Latour 1937
Châteauneuf du Pape Château Rayas 1990
Heitz Martha’s Vineyards 1968
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Beaulieu 1969
Hill of Grace Henske 1992
Sasicaia Tenuta San Guido 1985

Above: Fresh diver scallops, seaweed caviar, roasted heirloom tomato bisque

Le Gavroche
1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver, B.C., 604-685-3924
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