Hunting for that just-right evening venue can really tire us out. Wine and coffee choices? Check. Chic but chilled out vibe? Check. Interesting clientele? Sigh. But now there is a new Yaletown restaurant rumoured to be all of the above, plus more…
Opened last Thursday, r.tl regional tasting lounge offers regional cuisine (from BC and two other select culinary destinations) in a cozy, chic, unpretentious setting.
The décor is West Coast modern: a bar made of walnut and handmade Italian tiles, custom tables and chairs and one wall splayed with a vintage wine rack, the other with mirrors. Our favourite part? The prohibition-style red-walled VIP room, complete with white leather couch, iPod docking station and flat-screen TV.
The menu, created by Executive Chef Erik Smith (formerly of Le Gavroche and Coast Capri), highlights tastes crafted from seasonal, organic and fresh ingredients. On opening day it was plates designed with BC, Spain and the Middle East in mind. We loved the BC-inspired Drunken Fig Crostini (what’s not to love about figs soaked in port? $11), the Oak Barrel Smoked Breast of Magret Duck ($12) and savoured the Valencia-inspired Paella Cakes ($11).
A new hot spot we’re happily returning to? Check.
r.tl regional tasting lounge
www.r.tl/blog
1130 Mainland St.
604-638-1550
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