If, like us, you sometimes feel just a touch too old for the Granville Street club strip (you know, those rowdy few blocks targeted by the police on Friday nights), Circa Restaurant & Lounge is at least one new reason to reconsider.
Sure, the super-high ceilings, Spanish-style arches and cathedral-like interiors look better (read: less over-the-top) by candlelight than in daylight, but that just makes this place ideal for girls’ nights out.
And with space for 192 guests, well, it’s ideal for a really big night out.
We toasted the evening with bevies concocted by bar manager Luck Sarabhayavanija (that’s sara-bye-a-van-ee-ja) and took a shine to the mostly-BC wine list. We were especially parched for the Southeast Star ($11) though, a blend of vodka, Chambord and tasty lychee liqueur and puree.
On the nibbles front, the Caesar salad “sandwich” ($8) and pulled Qualicum pork poutine with handcut fries ($7) were perfect prequels to the olive oil and lemon poached Pacific halibut ($18), served with chorizo, fava and radish cassoulet. We were also partial to the grilled bison ribeye ($21) and the whole boneless Fraser Valley chicken ($35), each ideal for sharing in between Southeast Star sips.
We finished our night off with the lemon tart ($8) and dark chocolate mousse ($8), because you’re never too old for dessert.
Circa Restaurant & Lounge
www.circarestolounge.com
1050 Granville St. (between Nelson and Helmcken)
604-683-3311
If you thought that was sweet, you’ll enjoy: