VA2007 - Raincity Grill

The Quintessential Vancouver Dining Experience

Photos: Bruce Law
Seen Right: Seaside lunch at Raincity Grill.

Steps from Stanley Park, in the heart of the vibrant West End this waterside gem successfully embodies Vancouver's irresistible appeal; world-class food and wine, and an abundance of natural beauty in a friendly West Coast atmosphere. Since restaurateur Harry Kambolis opened the doors in 1992, Raincity has helped define Pacific Northwest cuisine, pioneering the concept of "buy locally, eat seasonally" by showcasing the unique ingredients from our local waters and backyards.

Under the watchful eye of Chef Andrea Carlson, the menu at Raincity Grill reads like a love song to British Columbia. Focusing on local seafood, game and poultry, Carlson is constantly furthering the quest for the best seasonal, regional and organic ingredients. Organically raised Fraser Valley duck breast, fresh Pacific sablefish, local mushrooms and an impressive array of artisan cheeses reflect all of the abundance that the Pacific Northwest is renowned for. "I enjoy working with seasonal and local food; like seafood, berries and fruits in the summer and game, chestnuts and quince in the fall and winter," intimates chef Carlson. "The menu changes as the seasons unfold."

Famed for their innovative "100 Mile Tasting Menu" (where every ingredient comes from within 100 miles of Vancouver), Chef Carlson also features a revolving Early Bird menu available between 5-6pm. Brunch at Raincity Grill, as much a part the landscape as the North Shore Mountains, has become a beloved local pastime with house made croissants, sparkling mimosas and ethereal menu items like the Dungeness crab benedict and side stripe prawn frittata.

The patio at Raincity is a prime locale for some serious people watching and the stunning vistas of picturesque English Bay rank as one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a sunset. Inside, the warm modern décor, accentuated by rich woods is the ideal setting for any occasion. General Manager/Sommelier Brent Hayman shares an affectation for local product with an award-winning wine list that rarely strays far from home. With over 100 labels offered by the glass, including an impressive selection from British Columbia, this comprehensive list has been recognized by the Wine Spectator as being both astutely chosen and competitively priced.

Be it for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner, enjoy the very best of what Vancouver has to offer at Raincity Grill.

Menu Highlights

Lunch

Warm Barbecue Chicken
On potato baguette, smoked gouda, arugula, pickled shallot and potato salad

Halibut Tempura
Sweet potato fries, radish and pink lady apple salad, arugula aioli

Pesto Pasta
Hand rolled, arugula and roasted pumpkin seeds, montaña cheese

Garbanzo Bean & Preserved Garlic "Tajine"
Cauliflower & buttermilk fritter, roasted beet sauce, sheep's yogurt

Brunch

Back Bacon Benedict
Toasted english muffin, hollandaise, roasted potatoes

Candied Wild Salmon Benedict
Roesti potato, crème fraiche, spring greens

Oyama Sausages and Eggs
With roasted potatoes

Poppy Seed & Walnut Brioche French Toast
Rhubarb compote and maple mascarpone, candied walnuts

Appetizers

Seared Lamb Loin Carpaccio
Tomato preserve

Spotted Prawn and Cucumber Salad
Sorrel and green pea gazpacho, pea tips

Grilled Chipotle Quail
Yogurt fry bread, cilantro & savoy cabbage slaw, chili glaze

Organic Golden Beet Carpaccio
Horseradish cream, 'tiger blue' cheese, poached quail's egg

Main Courses

Vermicelli Pasta
Halibut cheeks, spring leek and organic mushroom cream

Grilled Free-run Chicken Breast
Red sunchoke gratin, roasted butternut squash, coriander jus

Seared Sea Scallops
Porcini mushroom, bulgur wheat and watercress "risotto," house-cured Berkshire pancetta

Agassiz Beef Striploin
Roasted potatoes, braised beef shortrib, roasted cauliflower, chili jus

Best of the Cellar

White Wines

Cedar Creek "Platinum Reserve" Chardonnay 2002, B.C.
Blue Mountain "Reserve" Pinot Gris 2003, B.C.
Alderlea Viognier 2004, B.C. Eroica, Riesling 2004, Washington
Woodward Canyon Chardonnay 2001, 2002, Washington
Domaine Drouhin "Arthur" Chardonnay 2003, Oregon
Willakenzie, Pinot Gris 2004, Oregon
Landmark "Damaris" Chardonnay 1999, California

Red Wine

Laughing Stock "Portfolio" 2003, B.C.
Poplar Grove "Reserve" 2002, B.C.
Golden Mile Cellars "Black Arts" Pinot Noir 2004, B.C.
Quails’ Gate "Family Reserve" Noir 2004, B.C.
Burrowing Owl, Syrah 2003, B.C.
Nichol Vineyards Syrah 2003, B.C.
McCrea "Sirocco" 2002, Washington
Delille Cellars "Doyenne," Syrah 2002, 2003, Washington
Evesham Wood "Cuvee J" Pinot Noir 2002, 2003, Oregon

Above: An Organic Golden Beet 'Carpaccio'with beet jellies, tiger blue cheese, and horseradish cream. Braised aggassiz lamb neck with sunchoke chip and berkshire bacon jus..

Raincity Grill
1193 Denman Street, Vancouver, B.C., 604-685-7337
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