Vancouver Good

Had a delicious dinner at Chambar Restaurant the other day. I haven’t been in a couple years (although Cafe Medina next door is a regular haunt), but it doesn’t look like business has slowed down much since opening to much fanfare in 2004. Probably because the food is good, the restaurant is innovative, and the service is great. A good combination for a full restaurant.

First, the food – an interesting menu, all dishes executed wonderfully:

• Salade de Baies, lightly dressed greens atop a silky sheep feta and fresh berries
• Les coquilles st. jacques – perfectly tender and seared scallops with smoked bacon and pickled vegetables
• Grilled ostrich with sweet onions and potato crisps. Some of the most tender ostrich I’ve ever had
• Moules Frites – some of the best in town. I love the Congolaise, mussels cooked with tomatoes, coconut cream, chilli, and cilantro. The frites are crisp and dusted with a smoked paprika. And also order some freshly baked bread for soaking up mussel broth.
• As good as all our food was, the dessert made the meal. We shared the “Le Cafe Belge,” a creamy espresso cheesecake topped with layers of chocolate mousse, cream, and crispy chocolate wafers. SO GOOD. Not too sweet and a perfect balance of chocolate & coffee, crisp and creamy textures. I’ll remember this dessert for a while.

One Vancouver restaurant trend I’m liking is the filtering and carbonating of their own water, rather than flying in “gourmet” bottles of sparkling water from New Zealand or other far off places. Our sparkling water was unlimited and just $2.00 – a big difference from the $6-10 charged for Pelligrino at many restaurants.  While it does not help their profit margin much, it’s a much better environmental choice. I know Boneta also does this.

Service at Chambar is always great. Professional, relaxed, and fun. It’s always lovely dining at Chambar – I’ll be back again sooner next time.

Chambar Restaurant
562 Beatty Street (@ Dunsmuir)
Vancouver
604 879 7119