Vancouver Good

I dropped by Latitude Restaurant a few weeks ago after some friends who live in the Main St. ‘hood recommended it as a good, reasonably priced, neighbourhood restaurant.

Well, my friends were right!

Some basic goods on Latitude:

• The background on  Latitude is it’s from the former owners of RainCoast Cafe in Tofino, which was a great spot.
• Theme is “food and wine of the Americas.” Northwest food with some Spanish and Mexican influences, like sablefish with a tomatillo salsa, paella, and local Qualicum Beach scallops on masa pancakes.
• The room is modern and simple, seating about 45 people. I dined on a Tuesday evening around 9pm and the place was busy with a happy buzz about.
• The menu is divided into small plates and larger plates. Portions are okay, but not generous. The small plates really are small – a few bites. The larger plates were a fair size, but I didn’t leave anything on the plate as I had to eat it all to be full! I’d guess the menu is designed for you to have 1-2 small places, 1 larger plate, and dessert.
• Prices are good – small plates range between $8-15. Larger plates are $21 max.
• Food highlights: Avocado and mango salad with tender baby arugula – fresh and refreshing. Chickpea fries, which are made with chickpea flour – these are good, but definitely not a typical fry texture. I would have liked them a bit more golden and crunchy on the outside. Tender, sliced flank steak with fresh cherry tomatoes and a chimichurri sauce. My friend also raved about the duck breast with a chocolate orange sauce.

If I lived in the ‘hood, I’d be back regularly. As I don’t live in this ‘hood, I’ll be back…but in a while.

Latitude Restaurant
3250 Main Street, Vancouver (@ 16th/17th)
604-875-6246
Open daily from 5pm to “late”
No reservations