Vancouver Good

Since the Irish Heather moved across the street last year into their new location, I have not been in a hurry to see it. The old Heather was old, cozy, and the site of many drinking memories.

But now that I’ve been to the new Heather a few times, I’m a fan again. The place is more polished, but the food is better and there something to be said for a newer cleaner decor. The Heather is a modern styled Irish Gastro Pub and is the centre component in a series of separate rooms and businesses: The Shebeen Whiskey Lounge located in the back, the Salty Tongue lunch spot next door, and the nearby Salt Tasting Room down Blood Alley.

Of course they have a huge selection of whiskey and beer, but also order a martini if only to enjoy the olives they serve with the cocktail – heavenly Italian, non-pasteurized olives that taste amazing.

Some of the Heather’s most notable pub snacks:

• Curry Chips – fresh cut potatoes piled high with a curry dipping sauce
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Brie, olive tapenade, mustard, tomatoes
• Mixed Olives – there are good olives and there are meh olives. These are good, really good
• Ham Hock Ballentine Sandwich – salty, meaty goodness. These are on a canape menu only, though.

Long Table Dinner Series

For the entire summer (and longer if we’re lucky!), the Irish Heather is offering the Long Table Dinner Series. In the Salty Tongue, they have this 40 Ft. long communal table that seats about 40 people. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 40 people reserve a spot for a dinner and pint of beer for $12. Delicious and great value. Everyone is promptly seated at 6:30pm, the chef comes out and explains the dinner, and then we eat!

The communal table is great – I hung out with a few people at the table last night for an extra hour talking about Kitsilano, real estate, gardening, and travel.

And for $12, you are scoring excellent food. Last night was freshly made yam & cream cheese stuffed tortellini. The other night was roast suckling pig with crispy skin and mashed potatoes. The upcoming menus for July/August include braised beef short ribs, Cornish Game Hen, and a Sunday roast dinner. Vegetarian and non-alcoholic substitutions are provided on request – with notice.

These dinners sell out regularly and are great fun. Go to at least one this summer.

To view the menu and reserve, visit the Long Table Series blog page – I’ll see you there.

The Irish Heather
210 Carrall St, Vancouver
604-688-9779
Open for lunch & dinner