Vancouver Good

As a food lover and blogger, I’m always being asked:  “What’s your favourite restaurant?”

I don’t know about other Vancouver food lovers, but I find this question impossible to answer. There is no way, NO WAY I could name one restaurant as my favourite. Vancouver has so many good places, it’s a lucky place to be.

However, year after year, Cru Restaurant remains one of my favourites, delivering on all fronts: food, wine, service, and price. You can drop a good sum of money here, but you can also have a great time for about $60.

Sandwiched between unlikely restaurant neighbours Vera’s Burger Shack and Memphis Blues BBQ (although Cru was there first!), Cru is an elegant small restaurant that seats about 40 people. As a diner, you can choose between a daily prix fixe menu for $38 or sample a selection of dishes from their small plates menu. I typically go for the small plates, which let you try a few different flavours and the selection is so great, there’s something for everyone. The menu changes up, but there are always some dishes that stay. Some of my all-time favourites:

• The Cellar Door Caesar: This still remains my favourite caesar in town. It’s probably the most fattening too, but it’s worth it. Crisp romaine lightly grilled with a mound of asiago cheese and thick creamy dressing on top. Then, a few made-to-order buttery croutons on the side. So good.
• Syrah-braised beef short rib with a teeny, but potent pot of macaroni and cheese. The short rib is a tender delicious bite and the rich macaroni and cheese puts it over the top. Like the Caesar, I don’t think Cru can ever take this dish off the menu.
• Sweet spring pea risotto: There’s usually a seasonal risotto on the menu, but my favourite is the Spring version, usually full of beautiful green vegetables and a tender & creamy rice
• Cru Brushchetta: Soft bread, flavourful tomatoes, a good bite
• Classic Creme Brulee – I just love Cru’s version. Smooth and creamy texture, perfectly browned sugar top. Just a well executed, simple dessert.

I could go on, but I’ve never had a bad dish at Cru, so I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Service is always friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable – the servers are always more than willing to talk food and wine. In fact, I believe a server at Cru was the one who convinced me I had to go to the French Laundry when I was in Napa Valley a few years ago. One of the most memorable (and expensive) meals of my life.

I’m always thankful for Cru. Good food, room, service. A relaxing and delicious place to go.

Cru Restaurant
1459 W. Broadway (@ Granville), Vancouver
604-677-4111